Five of the club's top prospects were handed their full debuts in the 5-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge, meaning it was an unforgettable experience for many different reasons
Manchester City's FA Cup youngsters have given an insight into the psychology of making their full debuts against a full strength Chelsea side on Sunday, including what it is like trying to stop Eden Hazard.
City boss Manuel Pellegrini controversially selected a youthful side for the fifth-round clash at Stamford Bridge, handing starts to five teenagers who had hitherto amassed less than an hour's senior football between them.
Despite holding onto a 1-1 scoreline going into half-time, with French striker David Faupala scoring the first senior goal of his career, Chelsea ran away with it in the second half and progressed to the quarter-finals courtesy of a resounding 5-1 victory.
With two further City youngsters introduced during the second half there was a real sense of men against boys by the full-time whistle, meaning it was a day of mixed emotions for many of City's most talented prospects.
"It was strange, I’m pleased to make my debut but it was a shame about the result," Spanish midfielder Aleix Garcia, who was given his first taste of first-team football, told Goal.
"I dreamed about playing in stadiums like this, against teams like this, I made my debut a year ago with the Villarreal first team but this is the best experience of my career. We know Chelsea have a lot of talent, it’s an unforgettable experience.
"I put this down as one of the best days of my life."
Brandon Barker, who had been named on the bench several times this season but had previously not been given any senior action, was introduced to the game just as Chelsea began to pull away, and he echoed Aleix's sentiment.
"It’s a bit of a tough one to take, losing 5-1, but it’s a young team and I think we really made ourselves proud.
"Playing at Stamford Bridge, with the fans, it was unbelievable from minute one. It was a really good experience."
With Chelsea taking the lead through Willian early in the second half, Barker was stood on the sidelines ready to take the plunge into first-team football when Gary Cahill quickly doubled the hosts' advantage: "Yeah obviously it’s a killer," the Manchester winger said of the game getting away from City, "but it’s still good, playing for this club is a massive achievement."
Tosin Adarabioyo, the 18-year-old centre-back, was voted man of the match on the official Manchester City website after a bruising encounter up against Diego Costa, but the Mancunian has set himself high standards.
"Mixed emotions today," he said. "Obviously I made my full debut but the result didn’t go our way so it’s very disappointing.
"I think I did alright defensively, but on the ball I don’t think I did what I am capable of doing, but I did ok."
Manu Garcia, however, was simply elated at the occasion. The 18-year-old playmaker arrived at City from Sporting Gijon in 2013 and has already scored for the first team, just moments after being introduced for his home debut in the League Cup last October.
But having missed two months through injury and only returning to action for the club's Elite Development Squad earlier this month, he was delighted to be back.
"I think it was great feelings, all of the time. I enjoyed it a lot, an atmosphere like this, a full stadium, Chelsea with all their best players on the pitch, it was amazing for everyone.
"I think it’s the biggest day, probably, in my career."
Pellegrini spent much of the first half on the touchline instructing his youngsters where to position themselves, and on one occasion Manu was faced with Eden Hazard with the ball at his feet. It posed an interesting dilemma: "You want to go but at the same time you think about the things he has done to people, so you try to give him some room!
"But I think it’s amazing to be able to face these type of players. I can’t wait for more."
- Goal