Kyle Walker’s tackle on Vinicius Jr ‘equivalent to a goal’ and had Man City fans rejoicing
Kyle Walker's tackle on Vinicius Jr in the first half had Stuart Pearce and Manchester City fans waxing lyrical during their thrashing of Real Madrid.
City steamrolled Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night, serving the record winners of the competition a 4-0 mauling.
But it was when Walker outpaced Vinicius Jr, who was through on goal, that had the City faithful rejoicing.
After being played through, the Brazilian even had a head start on the right-back, bearing down on goal. However, out of nowhere, Walker not only caught up but easily nabbed the ball off the Real Madrid superstar, mopping up the danger and even starting a counter-attack.
Speaking live on talkSPORT, former City manager Pearce was full of praise for the England international and said it felt like a goal.
He said: "On what we have seen over 45 minutes, the only thing I can see is this game going three, four or five, to be honest.
"I am not daft enough to realise that Madrid, given the opportunity to counter-attack, might get something out of the game.
"But at this moment, City are at another level. You flip it on its head when they have had to defend.
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"The defensive work from Kyle Walker to deal with Vinicius Jr was quite incredible. It was wonderful defending. They have been almost perfect.
"The only criticism you could offer them is the fact that Kroos hit the bar.
"Apart from that, at this standard of football, they have been magnificent.
"I have played at the back all my life, that is equivalent to a goal."
City's dominance continued after the break where they scored another when Eder Militao netted an own goal from an in-swinging Kevin De Bruyne free-kick.
Silva had scored twice in the first-half, the first when he was found in a pocket of space by De Bruyne before lashing one past Thibaut Courtois.
The Portugal international was on hand again moments later when he headed home after a rebounded save to give City a deserved lead.
Julian Alvarez added a fourth late on as City coasted to an Istanbul date with Inter Milan on June 10.