Manchester City’s dramatic 2-1 win over Aston Villa kept their Champions League hopes alive. The match was intense from the start, with Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford hitting the post within 18 seconds. A clash between Rashford and Manchester City’s Rúben Dias left Dias on the ground.
Turning Point
The game’s momentum shifted when Bernardo Silva scored for City. Marmoush’s cross deflected off a defender, finding Silva, who slotted the ball past Martínez. The Argentine goalkeeper could have done better, but he managed to block the shot for a corner. City struggled to capitalize on their chances, with Rashford missing several opportunities.
Penalty Drama
The turning point came when Ramsey fell in the box after a clash with Dias. The referee initially gave a penalty, but VAR review by Craig Pawson overturned the decision. Rashford eventually scored from the resulting penalty, his seventh goal against Villa. He had multiple chances to score again but was denied by Ortega’s save or his own inaccuracy.
Second-Half Action
In the second half, Villa continued to dominate possession, but City’s defense held strong. McAtee nearly scored with a clever finish, but his shot just missed the target. Emery made several substitutions, but Guardiola’s lone change – Doku replacing McAtee – proved decisive.
Game-Winner
In stoppage time, Doku beat Disasi and delivered a perfect cross to Matheus Nunes, who tapped the ball into the empty net at the far post. The win moved City to third place, while Villa remained seventh, four points behind. With four games left, City’s Champions League aspirations got a boost, while Villa’s task just got tougher.