Instead, perhaps trying to place it too carefully, perhaps feeling the pressure of the moment, he side-footed the effort.
The shot lacked conviction, it lacked power, it lacked everything except direction.
It rolled almost apologetically toward Sánchez.
The Chelsea goalkeeper dropped to one knee and gathered it comfortably.
For a split second, the entire stadium seemed confused.
Then came the groan.
Thousands of Manchester City supporters put their hands on their heads.
Lukas stood frozen inside the box.
Haaland cursed under his breath.
Pep Guardiola threw both arms into the air before immediately turning away.
"That had to be the winner," the co-commentator said.
"That absolutely had to be the winner."
And football, as it so often does, punished them immediately.
Sánchez was already moving.
The Chelsea goalkeeper sprang to his feet and launched the ball forward.
Enzo Fernández won the second ball near the halfway line.
One touch.
Head up.
