There was drama on and off the field in the Uefa Champions League quarterfinal second leg encounter between Atletico Madrid and Manchester City at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday evening.
Man City managed to hold on to draw 0-0 and to reach the semifinals 1-0 on aggregate. However, the clash wasn’t on the pitch as there was a post-match brawl in the tunnel.
Police were forced to intervene as tensions boiled over in the 91st minute when Atletico defender Felipe was shown a red card for a poor challenge on Phil Foden, resulting in a fight on the touchline, which continued in the tunnel.
Stefan Savic, who pulled Jack Grealish’s hair in the commotion following Felipe’s red card, was seen on TV attempting to confront Grealish.
Atletico coaching staff restrained Sime Vrsaljko, while Kyle Walker was held back by goalkeeper Ederson before police officers moved in to restore order.
“The game can make you mad like that when you’re putting them under pressure and creating chances, and they’re going down, wasting time,” said Atletico captain Koke
“It’s football. We often get criticised for that; let’s see what people think about it today.”
Atleti goalkeeper Jan Oblak added: “In a tense game like that, it can happen. People came on from the bench; there were a lot of nerves. It was normal that there’s pushing and some bad words said. What happens in a game stays there. It was good for City; it wasted a bit of time.”
However, City defender Aymeric Laporte had a different view. “Who were wasting time were their team, getting into absurd fights. We already know how they are, and they always do the same. It’s always ugly to see these fights; a lot of fuss is made with little. I think it was bad for them because they were in their best moment in the game,” he said.
Meanwhile, Liverpool also booked a spot in the semis after a 3-3 draw with Benfica, winning the tie 6-4 on aggregate.
They will face Villarreal in the semis, while Man City will tackle Real Madrid.
