There were subtle indications of how Manchester City might face difficulties in the absence of Rodri, as they struggled to maintain the control that their No 6 usually provides. However, Pep Guardiola's team still managed a comfortable 4-0 victory, with James McAtee's 73rd-minute goal being the final highlight, marking his debut in club colors and securing City's first win in this 36-team league phase.
Guardiola opted for Ilkay Gündogan and Matheus Nunes in central midfield to fill Rodri's role, but City occasionally lost possession easily around Slovan Bratislava's area and left themselves vulnerable to counter-attacks—issues that Rodri's presence typically mitigates. The tactical mastermind Guardiola was seen observing these issues and is likely to devise solutions. For now, he will be pleased with the victory, especially as it came at a venue filled with emotion due to its first Champions League game at this stage.
After an elaborate light show featuring a powerful baritone singing the club anthem, which was met with enthusiastic applause and raised Slovan flags, the match began with a typical Slovan counter-attack, a classic method to unsettle City. Jérémy Doku won a corner, which Gündogan delivered from the right. Vladimir Weiss's team defended, and as Phil Foden tracked the manager's son, also Vladimir Weiss, he received the ball. Guardiola, watching from the sideline, winced as Weiss beat City's No 10 and passed the ball to Marko Tolic, who missed the target.
The home fans were thrilled, but their joy was short-lived due to City's opener. City circulated possession, creating opportunities for Erling Haaland to surge down the left and for Savinho to attempt a scissor-kick. The latter was blocked, but the ball rebounded to Gündogan outside Slovan's area, and his shot ricocheted off Kyriakos Savvidis past the helpless goalkeeper, Dominik Takac.
Weiss Jr., Slovan's captain, and Weiss Sr. exchanged words, but their team soon found themselves 2-0 down. This match, Slovan's first venture beyond the qualifying rounds, was considered a mismatch. Foden, making his first start of the season against Slovakia's six-time champions, demonstrated why with a composed finish in the bottom corner, courtesy of a Doku pass.
In a typical Guardiola move, Doku operated on the right and Savinho on the left, a strategy designed to unsettle the opposition, which resulted in several corners and intricate passing sequences. Rico Lewis and Doku combined, and the right-back shot, with Takac making a save, but the winger's subsequent effort hit the left post.
This phase of the game resembled an attacking drill for City. A Foden attempt was parried by Takac onto the post, and Slovan narrowly escaped. The drummer behind the goalkeeper's goal led Slovan's supporters in continuous chants, creating a festive atmosphere despite the score. Guardiola, however, was not satisfied with City's sloppiness, with Foden being a primary offender. When he lost the ball, forcing Haaland to sprint back, Guardiola turned to his coaching staff to express his frustration.
Foden also missed a clear chance when Haaland was available and miscued a move involving Josko Gvardiol and Lewis. But his rustiness did not matter as long as City continued to probe. Gündogan next took aim from 19 yards out, but the bar denied the visiting captain his second goal, as the first half ended with City dominating and the drumming continuing.
Keeping possession against City is challenging due to their relentless press. So, when Cesar Blackman made a wild crossfield pass that Kevin Wimmer failed to stop, it was a missed opportunity. Guardiola noticed the same vulnerability in transitions, highlighting Rodri's absence, as City were not always the efficient unit they usually are.
The issue eased when Haaland scored, following a break that had worried Guardiola. One moment, Tigran Barseghyan was near City's goal, the next Haaland was dribbling in on Lewis's pass, rounding Takac, and coolly slotting in for a 3-0 lead, marking his final contribution before being replaced by James McAtee, with Rúben Dias also coming on for Manuel Akanji, who handed the armband to Gündogan.
The match was effectively over. The remaining interest was in how many goals City might score and whether Slovan could grab a consolation. McAtee's memorable goal came from a Foden pass and was a well-placed shot into the bottom corner.
