Manchester City produced a scintillating performance at the Etihad Stadium, securing a convincing 4-0 victory over Real Madrid in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie. The win propelled Pep Guardiola’s side into the final, where they will face Inter Milan, after eliminating the defending champions.
Right from the kickoff, Manchester City showed their intent to take control of the match. The Citizens dominated possession and applied relentless pressure on the Real Madrid defense. Their persistence paid off in the 23rd minute when they broke the deadlock. It was a goal that had been coming, as City had been exceptional throughout the game. Kevin De Bruyne played a perfectly weighted pass to Bernardo Silva, who made no mistake in smashing the ball past Thibaut Courtois, sending the Etihad Stadium into raptures.
Real Madrid, who needed a comeback, were left reeling by City’s early goal. They struggled to create clear-cut chances as their opponents maintained a strong defensive shape. City continued to dictate the proceedings, and in the 37th minute, they doubled their advantage. Ilkay Gundogan’s effort was initially blocked, but Bernardo Silva was in the right place at the right time to head the ball into the net, leaving Courtois with no chance. Moments earlier, Toni Kroos had struck the crossbar for Real Madrid, highlighting their frustrations in front of goal.
The second half saw Manchester City maintain their dominance and control of the game. Real Madrid tried to mount a comeback, but their efforts were stifled by City’s organized defense. In the 67th minute, Jack Grealish was brought down by Eder Militao, who vehemently protested against the decision. However, the referee awarded a free-kick and showed Militao a yellow card for his challenge.
With the match seemingly settled, Manchester City put the icing on the cake in the 79th minute. A ball was swung into the box, and Manuel Akanji rose highest to meet it. His header took a massive deflection off Militao, leaving Courtois helpless as the ball nestled into the net. The goal was eventually credited as an own goal. It didn’t stop there, Julian Alvarez came on in the 89th minute and he made it 4 on the night to put more salt in Los Blancos’ injury.
The final whistle confirmed Manchester City’s 4-0 victory over Real Madrid and their progression to the ultimate stage of the competition. The Citizens will now face Inter Milan in the Champions League final, setting up an enthralling clash between two European powerhouses.
🔴 Live Blog
Goal! Manchester City 4-0 Real Madrid
Foden slides in Alvarez to make it four, a lovely finish!
Goal! Manchester City 3-0 Real Madrid
Grealish brought down by Militao this time, he’s adamant it wasn’t a foul. Wrong. Yellow card.
And that settles it once and for all! Ball swung into the box, Akanji goes up for it in the middle and Courtois unable to keep it out! Took a huge deflection off Miltao.
Second Half
Back underway! Up and running again at the Etihad. Real need something very, very special
Half-time
Well that was extraordinary. As good a half as you’ll ever see from City. Complete dominance, Real torn apart. The visitors look stunned, can’t get anything going and they’re fortunate to be only two goals down. They need a miracle.
Goal! Manchester City 2-0 Real Madrid
Bernardo heads in a second after Gundogan effort blocked, just moments after Kroos hit bar at other end
Goal! Manchester City 1-0 Real Madrid
To say that’s been coming would be a serious understatement. City have been incredible and they have their reward. De Bruyne slides a lovely pass through to Silva, and he slams the finish past Courtois.
Kick Off!
And so it begins!
Starting XI
Same team, but something a bit different from Guardiola tonight? The City boss has hinted at a change, though joked he was not overthinking things in a big game, as he has been accused of doing in the past.
“I have an idea to do something differently, just to be more fluid in attack,” Guardiola said. “It’s nothing special. I’m not overthinking, don’t worry guys! Nothing different to what we have done in the past.”
Such a big call from Ancelotti in defence. Rudiger was really impressive a week ago, with Haaland barely in the match as Real kept him very quiet.
The former Chelsea man drops out of the side though despite that display, with Militao straight back in after suspension. We shall see if that proves to be the right decision.
Apex Football News 
Man city will win
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A win for Man City
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Man city will win
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