Unexpected Bernardo Silva penalty delay explained after Man City moment costs Champions League tie

Published date18 April 2024
Publication titleManchester Evening News: Web Edition Articles (England)
Silva was culpable for missing one of the two failed spot kicks for Pep Guardiola's side at the Etihad Stadium as they were sent crashing out of the Champions League in the quarter-finals

City had gone behind early in the tie, conceding to Rodrygo's rebound goal, but got themselves back on level terms at 1-1 4-4 on aggregate with a late Kevin De Bruyne equaliser.

. Silva, often so reliable for City, was the first to blink.

His strange attempt came after Julian Alvarez had got City off to the perfect start, supported by Ederson denying Luka Modric to hand the home side a huge advantage. Silva was unable to capitalise, though, and placed a tame effort straight at Andriy Lunin.

The Madrid 'keeper decided against diving and had the simplest task to catch the ball. , this time down to his left.

Silva's penalty caught the attention, though, after he was made to wait over half a minute for the ball to be returned from the stands. After Modric missed he then proceeded to hoof the ball into the crowd behind the goal in anger, only for the home supporters to keep it.

This left Silva standing inside the box without a ball and the referee gesturing animatedly for a new one to be delivered. Steve McManaman pointed out the impact that this wait might have on the experienced midfielder. He was proven right shortly after.

Analysing the penalties after the game, former City defender Joleon Lescott agreed that it influenced the quality of his shot. "That would have just took him out of sync and out of his rhythm," he said. "You can practice the routine, the technique, the walk up potentially, this is something you don't prepare for...

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