Manchester City Prevail and Take Down Atlético de Madrid in Two Minutes
Atlético de Madrid took the lead through youngster Jorge Domínguez, but Manchester City responded in the second half and needed just 129 seconds to turn the match around.
Manchester City defeated Atlético de Madrid 3-1 in their preseason clash in Seoul, in a match that completely changed in the space of just two minutes. Diego Simeone’s side went into halftime with the lead thanks to youngster Jorge Domínguez, but Omar Marmoush stepped up in the second half to lead the English side’s comeback.
Atlético entered the match still without several important players, including Julián Álvarez, Marcos Llorente, and Álex Baena. Despite those absences, they managed to hold firm for much of the first half against a Manchester City side that constantly threatened down the flanks.
Jorge Domínguez Surprises City
Jan Oblak was crucial in the opening minutes. The goalkeeper denied Tijjani Reijnders, Savinho, and Omar Marmoush, keeping Atlético de Madrid in the match as they struggled to contain the English side’s speed.
Just when City appeared closer to finding the opening goal, Jorge Domínguez stepped up. The 16-year-old defender took advantage of a sequence following a corner kick and, after a missed attempt from Morten Hjulmand, found himself one-on-one with Gianluigi Donnarumma before finishing to make it 1-0 in the 43rd minute.
The goal confirmed the positive impression the youngster has made throughout preseason and allowed Simeone’s team to head into halftime with the advantage.
Marmoush Changes the Match in 129 Seconds
The match turned around between the 56th and 58th minutes. Antoine Semenyo found space down the wing and set up Marmoush, who scored the equalizer.
Just 129 seconds later, the same combination punished the Spanish side again. Semenyo began the move from a position that sparked strong protests over a possible offside before once again finding Marmoush, who completed his brace and a lightning-fast comeback. With no VAR in use for the friendly, the play could not be reviewed.
Rayan Aït-Nouri eventually sealed the match with the goal that made it 3-1 for the English side.
Barrios and Kang in Lee Make a Positive Impression
Simeone changed almost his entire lineup in the 63rd minute, bringing on several players, including Kang in Lee and Pablo Barrios. The South Korean made his first appearance for the team, while Barrios’ return was one of the most positive developments after muscular problems limited his playing time in recent months.
Atlético de Madrid will continue its preparations ahead of the official start of the season, with one final major test against Olympique de Marseille at the Velodrome.
