The most prestigious tournament of UEFA - the Champions League - is being held in a new format this season. Of the 36 teams that participated in the general stage, 24 made it to the playoffs. Of these, the teams that took place in the top eight went directly to the quarterfinals. The remaining 16 teams had to participate in the play-offs.
The only Uzbek player participating in this tournament - Abdukodyr Khusanov's team - Manchester City - faced Real Madrid in the play-offs. Having lost 2:3 to the current winner at home, Josep Guardiola's team lost 1:3 in the return match in Madrid.
What is significant for us is that Abdukodyr Khusanov played in the play-off stage of the European Champions League for the first time. This was the 20-year-old defender's international debut for Manchester City.
In addition, Abdukadir achieved an incredible feat. Khusanov became the second youngest player to make his debut in a Champions League play-off match against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. On the day of the match, our legionnaire was 20 years and 356 days old.
The previous record was set in 2014, when Schalke player Kaan Ayhan made his debut at Real Madrid's home stadium at the age of 19 years and 128 days.
It is worth noting that although Abdukadir Khusanov did not allow Vinicius Junior to score during the match, as the fans expected, the entire City defense could not stop Kylian Mbappe.
The French star scored three goals in the match, proving once again that he is in very good form.
Kylian Mbappe equaled Lionel Messi's record for most goals scored against Pep Guardiola's teams in the Champions League. The Argentine world champion has already embarrassed the Spaniard's team seven times in the continent's most prestigious international tournament during his time in Europe. With his hat-trick, Mbappe also brought his tally of goals scored against Pep Guardiola's teams to seven.
Pep Guardiola himself has now admitted that Real Madrid are stronger than his team.
- Real Madrid is a great club and a team that deserves to advance to the next round. We were not able to resist them enough to reach the quarter-finals. It is a bitter experience and we must accept it and try to win the right to participate in the Champions League again next season.
Real Madrid are currently one of the main contenders for the title, but we must not forget that there are still strong teams in the tournament, - said Pep Guardiola.
Now "City" will focus on finishing in the top four in the English Premier League and winning the FA Cup.
And Abdugadir Husanov celebrated his debuts in three prestigious competitions - the English Premier League, the national cup and the playoffs of the European Champions League since he moved to Manchester City on January 20. Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”
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