Guardiola’s 2-3-5 Fails as Madrid’s Fluid Attack Overpowers City

In a thrilling Champions League encounter, Real Madrid scripted history with consecutive victories at the Etihad Stadium, as Jude Bellingham’s dramatic 90th-minute strike secured a hard-fought aggregate win over Guardiola ‘s  Manchester City. The English midfielder’s heroics ensured 3-2 victory before the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.

City took a first half lead as a intervention of  Jack Grealish and  Joško Gvardiol, while Haaland provided finishing touch. While Kylian Mbappe also printed his name at the scoresheet, showcasing his brilliance with a clinical right-footed strike from the center of the box. The goal came following a set-piece situation, as Dani Ceballos delivered a perfectly weighted through ball, setting up the Frenchman for a composed finish past the goalkeeper. 

Manchester City and Guardiola are currently going through their worst, set 2-3-5 to create superiority in the center, while opening up the side of the pitch for 1vs1. Although the Real Madrid wingers have to come inside. With both Vini and Mbappe up front, Stones is basically the free man in every phase of play as Camavinga also has to mark Benardo Silva.

Guardiola’s 2-3-5 Overloads Vs Madrid’s 4-4-2

Manchester City’s 2-3-5 formation caused serious problems for Real Madrid’s 4-4-2 setup, as Pep Guardiola ’s tactical approach created a crucial 5v4 midfield overload. While Los Blancos initially managed to contain Kevin De Bruyne and Manuel Akanji’s penetrative runs. It was Joško Gvardiol on the left flank who emerged as a constant headache for Madrid’s defense, posing a significant threat throughout the game, also in case the first goal.

Real Madrid poised high pressing as City’s superiority blanked them during the build up. Real Madrid adapted their approach by replicating similar build-up patterns from the right flank. Camavinga and Ceballos frequently drifted wide, while Rodrygo dropped deeper to facilitate progression. Unlike the opening 10 minutes—when Manchester City’s defenders held their shape instead of pressing aggressively—this adjustment allowed Los Blancos to find more space and rhythm in possession.

While Whites played with the irregular back line, confining with Mendy,  Asencio, Tchouaméni, Valverde. Factually it was tough on paper but they prosecuted a massive job. Manchester City is known for their ball recovering ability by the possessional play. But somehow Individual brilliance at  Real held the key of game. 84th minutes of the game, substituting Brahim Diaz with Rodrygo came up as a result as the Moroccan forward netted 2-2 equalizer.

City Struggle Against Madrid’s Fluid Trio Despite Compact Block

Conceding a goal in injury time, City’s defense was compact. Even in a compact defensive shape, Manchester City found it difficult to contain the fluid movement of Real Madrid’s attacking trio. Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinícius Jr. operated seamlessly in central areas, forcing City’s defense to collapse inward, which left Ferland Mendy unmarked on the left flank. The full-back played his role effectively, stretching the width while Bellingham roamed freely, creating additional problems for Guardiola’s defensive setup.

For the first 20 minutes, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City looked in cruise control, dictating possession and tempo. However, as the game progressed, Real Madrid wrestled back momentum, creating waves of attacking pressure. Los Blancos registered an xG of 3.30, missing six big chances, showcasing their dominance in front of goal.

Defensively, Madrid also held the edge in ball recoveries (42 to City’s 38), disrupting City’s rhythm. With the return leg in Spain and a one-goal deficit, Guardiola’s side faces a daunting task. So far, this campaign doesn’t resemble a typical ‘Pep regime’, raising questions about City’s ability to bounce back in high-stakes European battles.