Kevin De Bruyne was the hero as Manchester City overcame Atletico Madrid 1-0 in their Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Etihad Stadium.
The Belgium international struck the only goal 20 minutes from time to hand Pep Guardiola s side a narrow advantage heading into the second leg at the Wanda Metropolitano next week.
Atletico had frustrated the Premier League leaders for large periods of the contest on Tuesday with a typically stubborn defensive display.
However, their resistance was finally broken when De Bruyne latched onto Phil Foden s precise throughball, before sliding past Jan Oblak.
Kevin De Bruyne = BIG. GAME. PLAYER.
Atlético, 2022 quarter-finals
Paris, 2021 semi-finals
Dortmund, 2021 quarter-finals
Gladbach, 2021 round of 16
Lyon, 2020 quarter-finals
Real Madrid, 2020 round of 16
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague)
Guardiola had overseen victories in each of City s previous three Champions League matches against Spanish sides.
But despite boasting well over 70 per cent of possession and forcing four corners, the hosts were unable to break down their stubborn opponents before the interval.
City failed to register a single shot on target from six attempts in the first half, with Atletico also making important blocks to deny Joao Cancelo and De Bruyne.
Ilkay Gundogan almost unlocked the Atleti defence, but the skipper was just unable to get Riyad Mahrez s inviting cross under control.
City continued to carry the greater threat after the restart; Oblak getting down well to keep out De Bruyne s free-kick, while Aymeric Laporte headed over from a Mahrez corner.
Guardiola introduced Jack Grealish, Gabriel Jesus and Foden in a bid to find an elusive opening goal.
And the latter made an impact within two minutes of stepping onto the field; producing a perfectly timed pass for De Bruyne, who finished clinically with his right foot from inside the penalty area.
The midfielder then had an effort blocked by former City defender Stefan Savic, but his strike was enough to give City the edge.
What does it mean? Advantage City
The Premier League champions had to be patient, but it paid dividends as they recorded their 15th victory from 23 non-group stage matches under Guardiola.
The first side to face both City and Manchester United in the knockout stages of European competition since Juventus in the 1976-77 UEFA Cup, Atletico saw their six-game winning streak come to an end.
De Bruyne rises to the occasion
Once again, De Bruyne proved the difference on the big stage for City.
A constant attacking threat, the midfield maestro led the way with five shots on goal, while nobody bettered his tally of three key passes.
Foden makes a difference
Atletico’s trademark defensive solidarity had frustrated Guardiola’s side for most of the game.
Struggling to unlock their opponents, Guardiola introduced Foden and the England international stepped up to the plate for his side.
With his first meaningful contribution, he threaded a brilliant throughball to release De Bruyne, who made no mistake from close range.
What’s next?
The two sides renew their rivalry in the second leg at Wanda Metropolitano next Wednesday. Before that, City welcome Liverpool on Sunday for what could be a crucial clash in the Premier League title race – the day after Atletico travel to Mallorca in LaLiga.