As the ultimate tactician, Pep Guardiola tries to push the boundaries, and we saw an incredibly fluid set-up from Manchester City.
Gabriel Jesus began at left wing-back, then became the central forward. Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva both acted as false No 9s.
To their credit, City stifled Real Madrid in the first half, and though Isco found a way through on the hour, Jesus hit back and De Bruyne's penalty for a foul on sub Raheem Sterling secured a famous win.
Guardiola is not averse to springing surprise tactical changes in this competition.
As Bayern Munich coach in May 2015, he fielded a back three and tried to go man-for-man with Barcelona's Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar. Bayern wound up losing that first leg 3-0.
Maybe it is because of what has happened to Guardiola in the Champions League before that made him want to make these changes.
City were left with a lot to do in second legs in recent seasons — losing 3-0 at Liverpool and 1-0 at Tottenham in first legs. Guardiola didn't want that to happen here and got his way.
AntoJaison
1362
Pep: Its difficult to beat Real Madrid De Bruyne: How may I assist you??
idriscity
1130
This victory is for Larporte.
Aya_Walim
1061
Well deserved win, City. News of banning your Club for two seasons may have triggered you. Hope you win this season. Good Luck
Asap12
1055
The best coach in the world no argument
Charliey
943
I always support pep... Now we will see those Hypocrite English club like Liverpool supporting Man city
Rhapsody337
929
and the battle of the balds was won by.... pep baldy 😂
4cup
865
Benabou is blue Manchester is blue
TheBeautifulGame1
657
City deserved to win today under the genius pep. if UCL is not for liverpool this season then I hope it’s citys. Good luck citizens!
Pekka24
640
New tactical new penalty takers De Bruyne finally goal
babbelmoz
632
The job is half finished. City will complete it in the second leg at the Etihad stadium and go on to win the Champions League. This is our time. The future belongs to Mancity.
yiuadmruy
624
Zidane might be good as a player but not as good as a coach like Pep tactical game
woeabelmnt
609
one of the birthday present for me was sponsored by the following🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏thanks for ending my day in a memorable way
Mewadeny
556
believe in city, believe in pep🤝
iruan_evo9
220
Like i said "Pep Guardiola will all out in Los Blancos Stadium.Sorry madrid fans you guys are over confidence in your home ground.Spanish ground is still in Guardiola's blood.