CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: HOW MANCHESTER CITY DEMOLISHED REAL MADRID AT ETIHAD
Manchester City are into their second UEFA Champions League final following their demolishing of Real Madrid 4-0 to set up a final with Inter Milan
Winning on aggregate 5-1, it was obvious in their intent early in the match at the Etihad with the home crowd magnificent Wednesday night. Belgium international goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois pulled off his world-class save to deny Erling Haaland’s header in the 13 minutes following a brilliant cross from Jack Grealish.
Courtois, who prevented Haaland from scoring a hat-trick, made the second save from the Norwegian in the 22nd minute. The big size had rose highest to power a header that looked destined for a goal, but Courtois swiftly made a stunning save.
Real Madrid, having been pressured for over 19 minutes could be praised for their brilliance in locking up their opponent attack through two man marking play. But it did last long before they succumbed to the pressure as Bernado Silva smashed the effort to beat Courtiois for a goal.
The Portuguese celebrated thanks to Kevin De Bruyne’s slide-incisive pass, a demonstration of the Belgian consistency this season.
Realising urgency and need to get back into the game Real Madrid tactically changed its pattern. The offensive play almost paid off with Toni Kroos coming close to leveling the score when his vicious effort from distance rattled the crossbar.
Nigerian descendant and Austrian international David Alaba quickened his play pushing Madrid defense in joining the midfield to strengthen the attack. But unfortunately the Pep Guardiola side looked delighted on the counter.
It compounded the already difficult state of Madrid in the 37 minutes, llKay Gundogan’s effort was saved by Courtois but Silva was on hand to loop his header into the back of the net.
The first half ended with Gaurdiola obviously happy the game was going to his dictate, leading 2-0.
On resumption of the second half Real Madrid kept the push for a goal and David Alaba’s brilliant free-kick was saved by Ederson. Though, Madrid looked confident in getting back into the game with their effort. De Bruyne’s support role in midfield didn’t go unnoticed and his free kick in the 15 minutes of the second was met by Nigeria descent Manuel Akanji and his effort deflected off Eder Militao and into the back of the net for the third goal.
With the game at its twilight and introduction of Phil Foden, City were hungrier and the icing of the cake came when Julian Alvarez calmly squeezed it to beat Courtois and into the corner. Thanks to Foden superb pass to earn 4-0 win and 5-1 on aggregate on the night the crowd at Etihad were spectacular.
The win sets Pepe Guardiola’s side on the brink of winning the champions league on the 10th June in Istanbul when they face Italian side Inter Milan. Manchester City are also set for a third successive Premier League title and are into the final of the FA Cup in England.
For Pep Guardiola he now has the chance to lift the cup for the first time since 2011 with Barcelona.
The UEFA Champions League final will be the first time Manchester City and Inter Milan have met in European competition.
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