Atlético Madrid has given itself a difficult starting point for the return leg in Madrid, as they lost narrowly 1-0 in the first match against Manchester City. It was a match where Atlético Madrid played defensively without having much to offer with offensively. Even the Madrid club managed to play an entire match without registering a single shot. Manchester City had a hard time breaking up the compact Spanish defense in the first match, but a substitute Phil Foden made the difference and helped secure a 1-0 victory. Although Manchester City won in the first showdown at the Etihad Stadium, Diego Simeones must be pleased that they did not come from Manchester with a major defeat.
Atlético Madrid got a tough start to the return match against Manchester City, when they lost 1-0 away to the bottom team Mallorca at the weekend. A penalty kick in the second half made the difference as Atlético Madrid lost an important step in the battle for the top-4. If Atlético Madrid are to make hopes of advancing to the semi-finals of the Champions League, they will have to play with greater energy than was the case in the first clash and what was the case in this weekend's match against Mallorca.