**City Stumbles In Lisbon, Ten Hag Present**

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 06, 2024

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City Stumbles in Lisbon, Ten Hag Present

Manchester City's pre-season tour took a slight stumble in Lisbon as they drew 1-1 against the Portuguese giants, Benfica. This friendly match, played in front of a packed Estádio da Luz, saw the Citizens face a stern test, with Erik ten Hag watching from the sidelines.

A Tale of Two Halves

The first half saw City dominate possession and create a number of promising chances. Erling Haaland, the prolific striker, looked sharp and menacing in the box, but Benfica's defense held firm. However, the breakthrough came in the 36th minute, when Phil Foden expertly curled a free-kick past the Benfica goalkeeper, putting City in the lead.

The second half saw a shift in momentum. Benfica, fueled by the passionate home crowd, pressed forward with increased intensity. The equaliser arrived in the 58th minute, a moment of brilliance from Gonçalo Ramos, the young Portuguese forward who has been linked with a move to Manchester United. He displayed impressive footwork before finding the net with a powerful strike.

Ten Hag's Presence

Despite the draw, the match provided valuable insights into both teams' preparations. Ten Hag, the Manchester United manager, was a notable spectator at the game, possibly scouting potential targets for the upcoming season. His presence fueled speculation, adding another layer of interest to an already captivating encounter.

Key Takeaways

The friendly against Benfica highlighted several key points for City:

• Haaland's Form: The Norwegian striker looked in excellent form, continuing his impressive goal-scoring streak from last season. His movement and finishing ability were on display throughout the match.
• Defensive Vulnerability: The second-half performance suggested that City's defense might need further strengthening. Benfica's attacking intensity exposed some weaknesses, particularly in the heart of the defense.
• Squad Depth: With a number of key players rested, the game served as an opportunity for others to showcase their abilities. Young players like Cole Palmer and Rico Lewis impressed with their performances.

The Road Ahead

The draw in Lisbon serves as a reminder that pre-season friendlies are a crucial stepping stone in the preparation for a long and demanding season. While City ultimately fell short of a win, the match provided valuable lessons and insights. With the Premier League season fast approaching, the focus now shifts towards fine-tuning tactics and ensuring the team is in peak condition for the upcoming challenges.