Manchester City produced one of the best performances in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday as they thrashed Real Madrid 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium to advance to the final of this prestigious competition.
With the first leg in Madrid having ended 1-all, Bernardo Silva scored twice in the first half before an own goal from Eder Militao and Julian Alvarez’s late strike sealed an incredible win for City over the 14-time winners.
City were dormant throughout the game as they held possession high up the pitch and forced Madrid back into their own half.
The Citizens had their first realistic attempt at goal in the 12th minute through Erling Haaland, who had his close-range header saved by Thibaut Courtois.
Moments later, City came close again, but still Courtois made another brilliant save to again deny Haaland.
After numerous attacks on the Madrid goal, the English champions finally broke the deadlock through Bernardo, who received a pass from Kevin De Bruyne to beat off Courtois with a brilliant strike at the near post.
After conceding, Madrid reacted positively and nearly levelled matters with 10 minutes to the break, but Toni Kross saw his effort rattle the crossbar after a slight touch from Ederson Morales – the City goalkeeper.
Soon after that Madrid chance, City, on the other end, scored their second as Bernardo looped his header over David Alaba into the back of the net. IIkay Gundogan’s effort had earlier deflected in the buildup to that goal for the ball to fall into Bernardo’s path.
The game went into the break with City leading 2-0, and just five minutes after restart, Madrid almost got a goal back but were denied by Ederson, who tipped Alaba’s swerving freekick.
The next minutes after that save belonged to City, who continued to push for a third. Haaland, Gundogan all had attempts at goal which were denied by the Madrid custodian.
City were finally got their third in the 77th minute after a dangerous Kevin De Bruyne’s freekick which was turned in by Madrid defender Eder Militao.
With the last attempt of the game, City got their fourth of the day through substitute Alvarez, who ran onto Phil Foden’s pass to slot past a helpless Courtois.
With the 4-0 victory on the day ( 5-1 on aggregate), City secure a place in this Champions League final. They will play Inter Milan, who defeated AC Milan 3-0 on aggregate in the other semi-final.
