Footballers, just like the rest of us, are not so different. They share a common passion for the beautiful game, and much like fans, want to replicate the moves of their idols on the pitch. This desire to emulate the spectacular plays they’ve witnessed can lead to moments of audacious creativity, as was the case with Ederson during Manchester City’s recent Champions League clash with Crvena Zvezda (Red Star Belgrade).
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In the midst of a tense battle where the score was locked at 1-1, Ederson, the Brazilian goalkeeper for Manchester City, sent a ripple of excitement through the hearts of fans and his manager, Pep Guardiola. With an skill attributed to the legendary Johan Cruyff, Ederson attempted a daring Cruyff turn right in his own penalty area. It was a breathtaking display of skill, but one that left Guardiola visibly concerned, given the high-pressure situation and the risk involved.
Pep Guardiola’s reaction after Ederson tried that Cruyff-turn😅😂#UCL #mcfc #ManCity pic.twitter.com/lLfq3JPsBa
— IBT4F (@ibt4f) September 20, 2023
Guardiola, a manager known for encouraging his players to take calculated risks in possession, had witnessed Ederson’s nerve-wracking moments in the past. The goalkeeper’s tendency to maintain an ice-cool demeanor on the ball, even when faced with pressing attackers, occasionally tested the nerves of fans and coaching staff alike.
After that match, Ederson said in an interview that he didn’t think the move was a risk didn’t think it was a risk and maintains it was an escape he was able to perform.
🗣️ “I didn’t think it was a risk. It was an escape that I was able to perform.”
Ederson on pulling out a ‘Cruyff turn’ in the Champions League. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/IIThAD9YMs
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) September 21, 2023
Manchester City mounted a thrilling comeback, securing a 3-1 victory against Crvena Zvezda, thanks to a spectacular second-half brace from Julian Alvarez and a crucial goal by Rodri. The Serbian champions had initially stunned everyone by taking a surprise lead just before half-time.
Amidst the chaos, Manchester City displayed remarkable composure, ultimately earning three valuable points in their return to the competition they had triumphed in the previous season. In a parallel match within their group, RB Leipzig asserted their dominance with a convincing 3-1 win over Swiss champions BSC Young Boys. As the dust settled, it became clear that City’s next European challenge would be an away encounter with RB Leipzig in early October.
This upcoming clash marked a replay of their Round of 16 showdown from the previous season, a contest remembered for City’s emphatic 8-1 aggregate victory, including a resounding 7-0 triumph at the Etihad Stadium, where Erling Haaland famously notched five goals.
