Manchester City embarrass Real Madrid to book second final in history

Manchester City embarrass Real Madrid to book second final in history

Faruq Ibrahim 21:57 - 17.05.2023

Manchester City brush aside Real Madrid to advance to the Champions League final for the second time under Pep Guardiola.

Manchester City were utterly dominant from start to finish as they beat Real Madrid 4-0 in a one-sided encounter.  

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The Etihad hosted the second-leg of the Champions League semi-final clash after a 1-1 draw in Spain. The home crowd in Manchester rose to the occasion, spurring their team to victory. 

How it happened 

Pep Guardiola promised a more fluid set-up from his team coming into this game after both teams could barely be separated in terms of performance and scoreline in the first-leg, and that was what his team offered. 

It was football heaven for Manchester City, a clear distinction from their more conservative first-leg performance, as they ran riot against a lacklustre Madrid side that could not seem to find their bearings. 

The Cityzens piled the pressure early on, and the visitors needed the brilliance of Thibaut Courtois to keep the game level; however, the hosts will not be denied for too long, with Bernardo Silva giving them a 23rd-minute lead after De Bruyne played him through on goal.

The Portugal international made it two in the 37th minute, heading in from about 15 yards to the post after a goalmouth scramble. 

Real Madrid were much better at the start of the second-half, but were not good enough, as it did not take long for the hosts to reestablish their dominance.

Kevin de Bruyne delivered a beauty in the centre of the area, and Manuel Akanji headed it onto Militao, who bundled it into his own net to make it 3-0. 

Substitute Julian Alvarez capped off the scoring in the 91st minute of the game, combining with fellow substitute Phil Foden, who played him through on goal.

Manchester City will play Inter Milan in the final in Istanbul next month, as they look to win their first-ever Champions League trophy.  

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