Manchester City’s progression to the Champions League quarterfinals is certain, so even backup goalkeeper Scott Carson might be called off the bench for his 17th appearance in the competition.
Ederson was replaced in the 73rd minutes by the 36-year old third-choice goalkeeper. He kept a clean sheet as City drew with Sporting 0-0 on Wednesday. Sporting had won 5-0 in Lisbon’s first leg last month.
Paulinho was denied his Champions League debut by the former England goalkeeper in rare Sporting attacks. He had previously played for Liverpool in a 2-1 win over Juventus in April 2005.
Pep Guardiola, City manager, said that “he is very important to us.” “Behind-the scenes, the chemistry in the locker room is crucial and the people listen a lot to him when he speaks. He made the best save in the game to win it.
Carson has not played for City since May 2021, when he was at Newcastle to defend the Premier League title. This was his only appearance in the Premier League season.
The Premier League leader hopes to reach the Champions League final this season as it aims to win the European Cup.
Karim Benzema scored three goals in the second last-16 leg to help Real Madrid beat Paris Saint-Germain by a score of 3-1. After clinching a 1-0 win in Madrid, Kylian Mbappe scored in Madrid’s first half to increase PSG’s aggregate lead.
