I watched Real Madrid vs Man City, this player has just saved his career under Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola proved me completely wrong following one of his changes during Man City’s 2-1 win over Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Nico O’Reilly continued his tremendous form, getting the team on equal terms after a smart save against Josko Gvardiol‘s header, and cancelling out Rodrygo‘s early opener at the Bernabeu on 10 December.
He has five goals and two assists in 10 games against the Citizens, and with Tottenham linked with Rodrygo, it would be absolutely devastating to see the Brazilian move to the Premier League.
Before half-time, Erling Haaland had gotten himself on the scoresheet, slotting home from the penalty spot after being hauled to the ground by Antonio Rudiger. It was Man City‘s game to lose.
Pep Guardiola’s decisions pay off vs Real Madrid
The likes of Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior had several chances to earn a point in Spain, but Guardiola’s side held on for all three, even if I was watching through my fingers for much of it.
I was almost kicking myself when the manager made a trio of changes on 70 minutes, especially seeing Haaland trudge off for Omar Marmoush and Savinho given a chance to impress.
Man City fans have been extremely critical of Savinho, and I am not exempt from that. A move to Spurs was seen as a positive for many during the summer transfer window, but it never came to fruition.
Since then, Guardiola has been openly critical of the winger’s tracking back, suggesting that he could do more to get himself into the starting lineup, and it felt like we truly saw what he is capable of against Real Madrid.
Savinho puts Real Madrid to the sword at the Bernabeu
In just 20 minutes on the pitch, the 21-year-old caused chaos, creating one chance, completing all three of his attempted dribbles, winning 70 per cent of his ground duels, and even winning two fouls [FotMob].
He was absolutely electric, just moments after I hung my head in disappointment as he stepped onto the pitch. I am not ashamed to admit that I was proven wrong by Guardiola. Who’d have thought?
While he didn’t quite have the finishing touch to his counter-attacks, his involvement all over the pitch was integral to City seeing out the game and securing a valuable three points in the Champions League.
The youngster was more than happy to defend, putting in the extra yards to help his teammates, and that is exactly what we need to see more of if he is to become a key part of the squad moving forward.