Manchester City: Citizens Draw 1-1 vs. Celtic on MatchDay #6 of UCL

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 06: Bacary Sagna of Manchester City competes with James Forrest of Celtic during the UEFA Champions League match between Manchester City FC and Celtic FC at Etihad Stadium on December 6, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Baylis – AMA/Getty Images) /

On MatchDay #6 of the UEFA Champions League group-stage, a rotated Manchester City line-up drew 1-1 vs. Scottish outfit Celtic F.C. at the Etihad Stadium.

With second place in Group C already wrapped up, Pep Guardiola made nine changes to the side that fell on Saturday in the EPL vs. Chelsea. Celtic, who were on their way out of the competition anyway, decided to start a strong side for their visiting fans. Below, is the starting line-up that Pep Guardiola sent out this afternoon.

Youngsters Tosin Adarabioyo and Pablo Maffeo started as the center-backs, while Kelechi Iheanacho got the nod up top. Pablo Zabaleta played in an advanced role, while Leroy Sane, and Nolito featured as wings. Sergio Aguero, Jesus Navas, John Stones, and Nicolas Otamendi were the senior players on the bench. Angelino, goalkeeper Angus Gunn, and 16 year-old Phil Foden rounded out the substitutes. Raheem Sterling missed out due to injury, while Fernandinho was serving a one-match ban for earning two yellow cards at Gladbach on MatchDay #5.

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For Brendan Rodgers side, Moussa Dembele started at forward, while Tomas Rogic, and Manchester City loanee Patrick Roberts featured in the midfield. Captain Scott Brown brought aggressiveness to the midfield as well, while Craig Gordon started in-goal.

Celtic came out on the front foot and pressured Manchester City into a turnover which led to the opening goal. Patrick Roberts curled home a left-footed effort past Caballero in the fourth minute to make it 1-0. It was the 19 year-old’s second goal of the competition.

However, City responded nicely and Kelechi Iheanacho squeezed home a left-footed effort of his own past Gordon four minutes later to make it 1-1. As the opening 45+ went on, Celtic looked the more dominant side, as Dembele had two efforts saved by Caballero.

Iheanacho had a close-range effort saved in the 37th, which was the closest City came to going ahead. At halftime, the teams stood level at 1-1.

Substitute Gary Mackay-Steven made a strong impression in the second half, forcing two good saves out of Caballero. Leigh Griffiths came on for Dembele, and set up the midfielder on one of the occasions.

Leroy Sane’s pace was getting the better of the Celtic defense as he played numerous balls into the box to no avail. His 86th minute free-kick barely missed the bottom left corner which was the closest thing to a winner.

At the final whistle, both teams shared the points and ended on a positive note at 1-1. Caballero made five saves for the hosts, while Gordon only made one for the stubborn visitors. City held the edge in possession 57%-43%.

Following the match, Pep Guardiola told BBC Sport he was happy with the performance by both younger and experienced players. “I am so happy. We played really good against a good team. The experienced players like Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy, Pablo Zabaleta, Fernando and Ilkay Gundogan helped the young players a lot. It was a good experience for them. They deserved to play because they have trained well. Their behaviour is always perfect so I am so happy to give them the opportunity to play in the Champions League.

It was a good game for Guardiola to use some younger players, with their spot clinched for the Round of 16. The goal for Iheanacho should give the Nigerian some confidence with Aguero set to miss the next four league games due to suspension. Fernando as well could see more time in league play with Fernandinho also suspended.

Next: Manchester City Injury Update: Sterling, Kompany, etc.

Up next, Manchester City travel to reigning champs Leicester on Saturday, now sitting four points behind leaders Chelsea. Leicester have been struggling in league-play so far, but have the ability to give the Citizens a tough test if they aren’t fully prepared. Following that, the Citizens will find out their opponent for the UCL Round of 16 next Monday afternoon.

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