The UEFA Champions League encounter between Red Star Belgrade and Manchester City on September 19, 2023, was a thrilling match that showcased the tactical prowess of both teams. Manchester City emerged victorious with a 3-1 win, but the game was far from straightforward. This article delves into the lineups, tactical setups, and key moments of the match, providing an in-depth analysis of how the game unfolded.

Match Overview

Manchester City, the defending champions, faced Red Star Belgrade at the Etihad Stadium. The match was crucial for both teams as they aimed to make a strong start in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League. City’s lineup featured several key players, while Red Star Belgrade fielded a competitive side, determined to challenge the English champions.

Manchester City Lineup

Manager Pep Guardiola opted for a 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing possession and attacking play. The starting lineup was as follows:

Goalkeeper: Ederson

Defenders: Kyle Walker (Right Back), Ruben Dias (Center Back), Nathan Aké (Center Back), José Ángel Esmorís Tasende (Jordi Alba) (Left Back)

Midfielders: Rodri (Defensive Midfield), Bernardo Silva (Central Midfield), Matheus Nunes (Central Midfield)

Forwards: Phil Foden (Right Wing), Julián Álvarez (Center Forward), Erling Haaland (Left Wing)

Red Star Belgrade Lineup

Under the guidance of manager Barak Bachar, Red Star Belgrade set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks. The starting lineup included:

Goalkeeper: Omri Glazer

Defenders: Milan Rodić (Left Back), Aleksandar Dragović (Center Back), Strahinja Eraković (Center Back), Nemanja Spajić (Right Back)

Midfielders: Guelor Kanga (Central Midfield), Veljko Simić (Central Midfield)

Attacking Midfielders: El Fardou Ben Nabouhane (Central Attacking Midfield), Osman Bukari (Right Wing), Aleksandar Katai (Left Wing)

Forward: Benjamin Šeško (Striker)

First Half: Tactical Approaches

In the opening 45 minutes, Manchester City dominated possession, controlling the tempo of the game. Rodri and Nunes orchestrated play from midfield, while Foden and Haaland provided width and attacking options. Red Star Belgrade, however, remained disciplined defensively, with Dragović and Eraković forming a solid central defensive partnership. The midfield duo of Kanga and Simić worked tirelessly to disrupt City’s rhythm.

Despite City’s dominance, Red Star Belgrade struck first. In the 17th minute, a well-executed counter-attack saw Aleksandar Katai deliver a precise cross into the box, where Benjamin Šeško rose above the defenders to head the ball past Ederson, giving Red Star Belgrade a surprising lead.

Second Half: Manchester City’s Response

Pep Guardiola made tactical adjustments during the halftime break, introducing more attacking options to break down Red Star Belgrade’s defense. The introduction of Jack Grealish added creativity on the left wing, while Kevin De Bruyne’s presence in midfield provided additional playmaking ability.

Manchester City’s persistence paid off in the 55th minute when Julián Álvarez capitalized on a defensive error to equalize. The goal shifted the momentum in favor of the home side. In the 72nd minute, Erling Haaland showcased his clinical finishing by scoring a header from a De Bruyne cross, giving City the lead. Álvarez sealed the victory with a second goal in the 85th minute, ensuring a 3-1 win for Manchester City.

Key Moments and Tactical Analysis

Red Star Belgrade’s Counter-Attacking Strategy: The Serbian side’s ability to exploit spaces on the counter-attack was evident, with Katai and Bukari providing pace and creativity on the wings. Their quick transitions caught City’s defense off guard, leading to Šeško’s opening goal.

Manchester City’s Possession Play: City’s emphasis on maintaining possession and controlling the game’s tempo was evident. Rodri and Nunes were instrumental in recycling the ball and dictating play from midfield.

Defensive Solidity: Red Star Belgrade’s defensive organization, led by Dragović and Eraković, was commendable. They managed to contain City’s attacking threats for a significant portion of the match.

Impact of Substitutions: Guardiola’s tactical changes, including the introduction of Grealish and De Bruyne, added fresh attacking impetus and creativity, which were crucial in breaking down Red Star Belgrade’s defense.

FAQs

What formation did Manchester City use?

Manchester City played in a 4-3-3 formation. The full-backs, Walker and Gómez, pushed forward to provide width, while Rodri held the defensive midfield role. Bernardo Silva and Matheus Nunes played in central roles, contributing both defensively and offensively. Up front, Erling Haaland and Phil Foden offered width, with Julián Álvarez playing as the central striker.

What formation did Red Star Belgrade use?

Red Star Belgrade also used a 4-3-3 formation. Their setup was more conservative, focusing on defensive stability. The back four included Spajić, Djiga, Dragović, and Nedeljković, while the midfield trio of Mijailović, Kanga, and Hwang worked hard to disrupt City’s attacking play. The forward line featured Bukari and Ndiaye on the wings, with Olayinka leading the attack.

How did Manchester City’s midfield play?

Manchester City’s midfield was crucial in controlling the tempo of the game. Rodri, the defensive midfielder, played a pivotal role in breaking up Red Star’s attacks and launching counter-attacks. Bernardo Silva and Matheus Nunes provided creativity and movement, supporting both the defense and attack. Their dynamic movement helped keep Red Star’s defense occupied, allowing City’s forwards to exploit any gaps.

What was Red Star Belgrade’s strategy?

Red Star Belgrade’s primary strategy was defensive solidity and counter-attacking football. They focused on blocking Manchester City’s passing lanes, especially through the midfield. With their compact defensive setup, they aimed to force City into wide areas and limit their chances. When they regained possession, they quickly transitioned into counter-attacks, looking to exploit the space left by City’s attacking full-backs.

How did the tactical battle unfold?

Manchester City dominated possession, as expected, with their fluid attacking style and focus on maintaining control. Red Star Belgrade, on the other hand, remained compact defensively, allowing City to have possession in wide areas while remaining solid in the middle. Red Star attempted to break City’s rhythm by pressing high at times, but their focus was primarily on denying spaces for City’s attackers.

The match became a battle of Manchester City’s attacking depth versus Red Star’s defensive organization and counter-attacking potential. City’s early pressure eventually led to breakthroughs, with Álvarez and Haaland playing crucial roles in breaking down Red Star’s defense.

In Summary

The encounter between Red Star Belgrade and Manchester City was a compelling display of contrasting football philosophies. Manchester City’s possession-based, attacking style prevailed, but Red Star Belgrade’s disciplined defensive setup and counter-attacking prowess were evident throughout the match. This game underscored the tactical diversity present in European football and the unpredictable nature of the Champions League.

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