In the final match of the UEFA Champions League general stage, Manchester City hosted Turkish champions Galatasaray at Etihad and secured a convincing 2-0 victory. This result secured the Citizens a direct spot in the tournament's round of 16 - Pep's team will no longer qualify for the additional qualifying matches.
But the main plot of this evening wasn't just about calculations. Fans and experts focused more on one very interesting clash in the center of the field: the duel between the most dangerous forward of the Turkish Super League, experienced star Viktor Osimhen, and City's young central defender Abdukodir Husanov.
The 21-year-old Uzbek footballer looked like a real "concrete wall" in this match. Khusanov meticulously controlled the defensive center, maintained his position, intercepted the ball at the right moment, and, when necessary, "crossed" the dangerous attacking direction with a single move. Most importantly, he left Osimhen with almost no favorable chances to score. A big name, a lot of experience - everything is there, but the scene on the field turned out differently: Husanov made his "breathing place" too narrow.
That's why Manchester City fans, scattered all over the world, discussed these episodes on social media. The game against Osimhen is one of the toughest exams for a defender. It's no exaggeration to say that Khusanov passed this exam with an "Excellent."
The fans' recognition matched this. Someone wrote, "Khusanov played a Rolls-Royce-level game!" and someone joked, "He didn't give Osimhen bread." Some came to a very serious conclusion: "If Pep Khusanov plays regularly, he will become the best defender in the world." Others added, "The Khusanov era has begun."
You can also read the words of praise from City fans through their following posts:
Jacob West:
Abdukodir is very strong...
Ackim Musole:
Khusanov, I have great respect for you, please continue in this spirit.
Ali Toochukwu:
They told us Osimhen was better than Haaland.
Barnabas Nandwa:
Khusanov, Gehi, Yoshko, and Nunesh will be the best defensive lines next season. Believe me.
Michael Pacho:
Osimhen will never forget this young man, Khusanov.
Vini Jnr:
Khusanov is a true hero.
Topwayne Clement:
Khusanov is a world-class player.
Vic Thor:
Ake now respect Khusanov too.
MIso Ndodana Ka MaMthembu:
Abdukodir is the best central defender in the world.
Rollins Riches:
Khusanov and Donnarumma stopped Viktor Osimhen.
Suede Sheikh:
From now on, Khusanov will burn...
Martinelli Mkabontezz Raj:
Khusanov is the best defender.
Mulalo Cairo Netshisumbewa:
Khusanov must always play. I put it first.
Of course, there are frequently encountered "hype" remarks. But after that game tonight, one thing is clear: Abdukodir Khusanov isn't afraid of high pressure. He showed himself to be a self-reliant footballer on the big stage. The duel with Osimhen could be the next "trampoline" in his career.
Now City is in the Round of 16. But another interesting question arose for the fans: if Khusanov continues in this spirit, will Pep make him a permanent starter? Because after this game, one thing was noticeable - a new point of confidence appeared in the "citizens'" defense.
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