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The Cityzens breezed past holders Los Blancos in the second-leg semi-final at the Etihad
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was in cloud nine last night after he marshalled his troops to one of the most brilliant performances in the club’s history.
After playing out a 1-1 draw with Carlo Ancelotti’s side at the Bernabeu a week ago, City still faced a tall order to reach the second UCL final in the club’s 143 years history.
However, Pep Guardiola was prepared to banish the ghost of last year’s defeat after a Rodryo’s brace forced extra time with only two minutes remaining.
A Benzema penalty in extra time later engulfed the Etihad in silence as the White Angels progressed.
Yesterday, it was a completely different Man City side, as they showed zero fear or respect to Madrid but ran them ragged on the pitch.
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Deploying John Stones in midfield proved a tactical masterclass, as Madrid’s midfield threat in Kroos and Modric was nullified.
Former Chelsea and Blackburn striker Chris Sutton had this to say about Man City’s performance:
“One of the greatest European performances ever from an English side in the Champions League from Manchester City. Breath-taking.”
Pulse Sports highlights five records Pep Guardiola set in their 4-0 bashing of defending champions Real Madrid.
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06:26 - 18.05.2023
Man City vs Real Madrid: 5 things Guardiola did right to reach Champions League final
Manchester City played the perfect game at the Etihad to send Real Madrid crashing out of the Champions League.
1. Elite Managers Group
The win against Real Madrid saw Pep Guardiola join a remarkable list of just three managers who have won 100 champions league games.
The Spaniard joins legendary Man Utd coach Alex Ferguson (102) and Italian Carlo Ancelotti (107).
2. Fourth UCL Final
Pep Guardiola became only the second manager in history to reach four European finals (two with Barcelona and two at Man City).
He is second only to the man whose side he defeated last night: Carlo Ancelotti who has been to five European Cup/Champions League finals.
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3. Record UCL Semi-final win
Manchester City equalled Liverpool’s record of the biggest semi-final goal margin, which the Merseyside club set in 2009.
The Cityzens set the joint-highest margin of victory in a UCL semi-final campaign after they humiliated Real Madrid 4-0.
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07:56 - 18.05.2023
Manchester City inspired by pain of heartbreak — Pep Guardiola
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said that Manchester City had to “swallow the poison” of last year’s semi-final defeat to Real Madrid and use that as inspiration to defeat the holders and book a place in the Istanbul final against Internazionale next month.
Liverpool also defeated Madrid in 2009 to set the record.
4. Clubrecord goalscoring UCL campaign
Pep Guardiola has guided his side to their most prolific goalscoring form in their Champions League adventure.
His charges have scored 31 goals so far this season, but with just one game left, they remain a long way off from the record of 45 goals set by Barcelona in 1999/2000.
5. Historic Treble on the cards
The Cityzens are now within touching distance of a historic treble and will equal their city rival should they succeed.
Only five games separate Pep Guardiola and his boys from capping off a fantastic season with a historic clean sweep of the EPL, UCL, and FA Cup.
A win against Chelsea on Sunday will see City retain their Premier League title, and they have a date with Manchester United and Inter Milan in the FA Cup and UCL final, respectively.
If Pep Guardiola continues to motivate his team to turn up as they did against Real Madrid, then there is absolutely nothing stopping them from achieving all of these.
Love him or loathe him; there is no denying that Pep Guardiola is a special manager!
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