There was no Pep Roulette, no overthinking, and no pre-match wondering about the formation. At the Bernabeu, Pep Guardiola simply named his strongest Manchester City side available, didn't make a substitution, and the 11 players chosen produced one of the most mature City performances in years.
It was exactly the opposite kind of night that City have come to expect in Europe, but maybe it's a sign that Guardiola and his players are learning from their long list of self-inflicted Champions League exits at the perfect time.
When Real Madrid visit the Etihad next week looking to remind City who the real kings of Europe are, Guardiola will likely name a very similar starting XI to Tuesday night - and if they reach the final he would surely pick nine or ten of the side who played at the Bernabeu.
