Manchester City’s progression to the semi-finals of the Champions League was overshadowed by the scenes that followed the game as Atletico Madrid lost control of their emotions.
Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Atletico were always going to come out aggressive as they searched the goal that would bring them level in the tie. City defended strong and held their nerve against Simeone’s men, despite injuries to Kyle Walker and Kevin De Bruyne.
In a typical aggressive performance from Diego Simeone’s men, they lost control of the game, as Felipe was sent off for kicking out at Phil Foden in the 89th minute.
Unsavoury scenes at the Wanda 😳 pic.twitter.com/Avcm9O3TVr
— Watch the UCL on LiveScore 🇮🇪 (@LiveScoreIE) April 13, 2022
This started a brawl between the two sides, with former Manchester City defender Stefan Savic at the thick of it all, dragging Foden off the pitch.
All players and substitutes were involved in the scrap, with Savic continuing to target Jack Grealish’s hair from the first leg.
In a minute span, Stefan Savić pulled Phil Foden while he was on the ground and then pulled the hair of Jack Grealish at the end of Man City-Atletico Madrid. pic.twitter.com/o1VWJHNCQx
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 13, 2022
This brawl didn’t end at full time, or on the pitch as ugly scenes proceeded in the tunnel, with police getting involved to separate both sides.
Video della polizia che fa irruzione nel tunnel per separare i giocatori di #AtletiManCity specialmente Savic e Grealish che provavano a prendersi a testate https://t.co/5F4aoVidfr
— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) April 13, 2022
Among the notable moments were Šime Vrsaljko headbutting the air and the extension of the spat between Savic and Jack Grealish.
Players who didn't play in the game also got involved, with 36-year-od City third-string keeper Scott Carson being perhaps the star of the event, telling Vrsaljko where to meet him to get further acquainted.
Scott Carson offering them to take it outside. Bloke. #dcfc #dcfcfans pic.twitter.com/GkkIZ5Rt0g
— ben (@bvj_v8) April 13, 2022
Can’t work out if, from about 12 seconds in, Scott Carson on the far left side of the video is trying to get the Atletico players to meet him further down the tunnel and have it out🤣 https://t.co/nu8AuDH5pW
— Harvey (@HarveyLawrence8) April 13, 2022
Carson and Kyle Walker were also involved in an altercation with members of the Atletico squad on the way into the tunnel.
CITY & ATHLETICO BEEF‼
Savic & Grealish have words entering the tunnel and Kyle Walker & Scott Carson weren't having any form of aggro from Athletico. #mcfc #AthleticoMadrid #UCL pic.twitter.com/TMtNOrf4NF— Pundit Jay (@pundit_jay) April 14, 2022
Simeone’s side are often criticised for the way they approach games and their aggression. This often leads to a highly physical encounters that are not very entertaining.
Despite the ugly scenes that grabbed all the headlines from the game, midfielder Koke praised his side for their actions, and took aim at Manchester City for time wasting.
“The match takes you that madness when you see that you have chances and they drop to the ground and waste time.
Many times we are criticised for this situation, but today it was them. Let’s see what people think of this. Today it has been seen, we are Atletico Madrid and I am proud of this team.
I am proud of my team mates for the effort. I have nothing to reproach the team with. I’m proud of everyone and the fans, who have lost, stayed to applaud us after the game.
This is Atletico.”
SEE ALSO: Atletico v City Descended Into Absolute Chaos At The Death
