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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Joe Bray

Kevin De Bruyne makes Atletico Madrid vs Man City prediction in Champions League

Manchester City expect a tight game against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League second leg, but less so than the first leg.

City edged out a 1-0 win from the first leg against a stubborn Atletico side who set up with two banks of five and failed to have a single shot on goal. City dominated possession but needed until 70 minutes to score when Kevin De Bruyne slotted home Phil Foden's smart assist.

And De Bruyne admits the contrasting styles of the two sides might not make for a particularly exciting game, but City's lead means that Atletico must be more adventurous in Wednesday's second leg at the Wanda Metropolitano.

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He said: "Atletico, where you play against such a defensive wall - it is not the best game to play or watch. There's nothing we can do about it."

And regarding his prediction for how the second leg will play out, De Bruyne said he expects a more open game than the one-sided clash at the Etihad.

"I think it will be a little bit tight at the beginning," he said. "Depending on the score, it has to change if it stays this way. I don't expect it to be a similar game."

De Bruyne has scored in his last four games, helping City to an FA Cup quarter-final win, the Atletico victory, and a crucial 2-2 draw with Liverpool last time out. City will be hoping for another big performance from their talisman to set up a Champions League semi-final against either Real Madrid or Chelsea.

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