More mature Gladbach may have survived
Despite starting off with a traditional four at the back setup, Gladbach switched to the three central defenders that worked so well against Bayern as the game opened up. On the right-hand side, however, Nico Elvedi still seemed to advance as a full-back rather than allow the wingers to do their work. And when City attacked, he was exposed as Sterling was played in behind. Elvedi was similarly troubled by Kingsley Coman against Bayern and Sterling made great use of his pace against the defender here. While Schubert is no fool and the team said it had done plenty of work on this formation, one wonders whether a slightly more mature, well versed visiting side may have held out when the game began to swing.
Sterling begins to answer the critics
Two goals in three minutes to turn the game on its head by Raheem Sterling was arguably the best birthday present he could give himself, but it was also a big gift to his team mates and a shun to the critics that have hounded him since his big-money move from Liverpool. A mature showing combined with improved finishing, particularly for his second goal, gave the indication that this is a player who is truly ready to move forward and showcase himself on the biggest stage; no longer the showy teenager with an unfinished product.
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