It was the totality of Manchester City’s domination of Real Madrid on Wednesday night that was so startling. It has been called a masterclass but it was more humbling than a masterclass. It was more like a school detention.
Some of the best players in the world, two Ballon d’Or winners among them, were told to sit down and shut up and watch how the grown-ups did it. And they had no choice but to obey. And they remained mute while City put on a stunning exhibition of football.
It is easy to dismiss Madrid now and say their players have grown old together but that is not true.