Atletico Madrid Captain Issues Stunning Reason for Mass Brawl at Full Time During Man City Clash

• Koke said Manchester City were to blame for the drama that ensued at full time
• Manchester City and Atletico Madrid players clashed in the tunnels in unsavoury scenes after a fiery game
• According to the Atletico captain, Manchester City resorted to anti-football tactics when the home side were looking for an equaliser in the tie

Atletico Madrid captain Koke has sensationally shifted the blame to Manchester City for the chaos that was witnessed at the end of the club’s quarter-final second leg clash at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Tensions boiled over on Wednesday, April 14, during the closing stages of the clash as Manchester City clung on to a 1-0 aggregate lead to proceed to the semi-finals of the competition.

Notably, there was an ugly brawl that was sparked off by Atletico’s Stefan Savic.

The 31-year old rushed to physically lift up Phil Foden after he was fouled by Felipe as the match approached the final whistle.

Jubilation at Oshodi Under Bridge as sensational ‘Area Boy’ defeats Canadian High Commissioner in chess game

Other Sports

What ensued was a back and forth between the two sets of players, with Savic receiving a yellow card and Felipe being handed his marching orders for a second bookable offence.

Speaking after the game, Koke said Atletico Madrid players were growing increasingly agitated by Manchester City’s gamesmanship.

With Atletico on the attack in the closing stages and City defending a one-goal lead, Guardiola’s side showed streetwise quality as they wound down the clock with different antics.

“The match takes you to that madness when you see that you have chances and they drop to the ground and waste time," Koke said as quoted by Manchester Evening news.

According to the Atletico captain, it was, in fact, Manchester City who are guilty of ‘anti-football’ tactics.

"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 de Madrid and I am proud of this team.”

Which are the all time biggest football rivalries in the UK?

Football

Goalkeeper Jan Oblak was, however, more critical of his side’s fortunes considering how they played on Wednesday.

"What a shame not to go through. It's painful. I really think we had a good game. We deserved a better result.

Manchester City will have to make another trip to Madrid as they face Real Madrid in the semi-final of the competition.

Liverpool advances to UCL semis after a thriller at Anfield

In the other Champions League game, Liverpool qualified for the semifinal of the Champions League despite been forced to 3-3 draw by visiting Benfica in their quarterfinal return leg played at Anfield.

Having won the first leg 3-1 in Portugal, Liverpool players were so confident going into the second leg considering the fact that they will be playing in front of their fans.

The Reds were leading 3-1 on the night once again but were twice pegged back by Benfica, who can take pride in holding the potent Anfield side to a draw.