Heading into this final at least one of Fernandinho or Rodri had started in 59 of Manchester City’s 60 games this season. The only time Pep Guardiola had not used one or the other was against Olympiacos in the group stages.
So for Guardiola to suddenly have his side play without Fernandinho or Rodri — in their most important match, no less — was a risk and one which did not work. That was his first mistake. His second was not correcting it sooner than he did.
It was only after 64 minutes, and with City staring at defeat, that Fernandinho was finally brought on.