Pep Guardiola claimed bringing on Phil Foden was something of a gamble as the England star provided a much needed spark for Manchester City at the Etihad.
The Catalan watched on as his side huffed and puffed in pursuit of the decisive goal against a stubborn Atletico Madrid defence. Kevin De Bruyne eventually proved to be the game's match winner as he teamed up effectively with Foden, who had only been on for 90 seconds, before slotting past Jan Oblak.
Diego Simeone set his team up like many expected and it was up to City to find a way past the Spanish outfit. They were unable to create any clear cut chances in the first-half before the game opened up in the second 45. Foden proved to be an inspired arrival as Guardiola made a triple change.
The City boss said on BT Sport: "The guys were playing well but we know Gabriel and Phil have a special energy and Jack for the quality of keeping the ball. Only when we make a sub it is because we think it can be a bit better. It works sometimes but other times it doesn't."
De Bruyne cited the difficulties of playing against Atletico, who sat the majority of their players behind the ball, and knew it was vital he took his opportunity: "The first half was tight in the second half we had a couple of chances and it was good that we took one.
"I made the run and Phil [Foden] found me perfectly, I needed to stay composed and luckily I did. It's very hard. They played with almost five at the back and with five in midfield. I recommend anyone that says anything [about us], that they try playing against that on the training ground."
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City's job is far from over as they prepare for the second-leg at the Wanda Metropolitano. Guardiola is looking to win his third Champions League and his first in 11 years having seen his side miss out in the final last term. Chelsea or Real Madrid will lie in wait for the winners of the last eight clash.
Guardiola also has to prepare his side for two games against Liverpool within a fortnight. The champions host a rampant Reds side who are in the midst of a sensational winning run. The victor of Sunday's clash will be favourite to claim the Premier League title.
The City boss said on their upcoming games: "We have to be focused on what we have to do. It’s difficult to face a team with a lot of experience in this kind of competition, we’re going to go there and try to win the game. We’ll see what happens. We have five days to prepare for Liverpool and just three days in Madrid and we’ll see."
