A REAL BEAUTY
Foden ticks box with strike
PHIL FODEN ticked an item off his bucket list by scoring a sensational goal in one of the best stadiums in the world.
Foden’s brilliant season moved up another notch in Manchester City’s 3-3 draw with Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday, as his superb strike at the Bernabeu increased his career-best tally this term to 22.
The 23-year-old said: “It’s one of the best goals I’ve scored. I always have this special ability in and around the box, where I see myself scoring a lot of goals – it’s one of those you practise after training.
“When I received it on the edge of the box, I thought, ‘Why not try it?’ and I made good contact. When it went in the top corner I was delighted.
“It’s one of the best feelings – to score in one of the best stadiums in the world, I can say I’ve ticked it off the bucket list now. When you’re scoring, your confidence is really high.
“Playing a little bit more centrally and in front of goal as well, I put it down to my determination and wanting to score goals.
“I always believe – no matter what – I’m going to get a chance in the game and, hopefully, I can put it away.”
Foden’s wonder strike came on a night when City proved they are not reliant on Erling Haaland, left, for goals as they step up their push for an historic repeat of last season’s Treble triumph.
Haaland, who scored 52 goals in 53 games last term, has found the net just once in the past month – a veritable drought given his scoring record.
But that has done nothing to halt Pep Guardiola’s imperious side.
City have underlined just why they remain the team to beat at home and abroad with a series of memorable goals in recent weeks, with Foden in particular stepping up.
The England midfielder scored a stunning hattrick – his second of the season – in a 4-1 win against Aston Villa last week.
At Crystal Palace last Saturday, Kevin De Bruyne – forced to miss the Real game after being taken ill on arrival at the Bernabeu – scored twice, including a whipped angled strike in a 4-2 win.
Given City are scoring with such aplomb, it seems an anomaly that Premier League leaders Arsenal have a superior goal difference of 11 over them, which could prove crucial in the title race.