Manchester City defeated former champions Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League second-leg semi-finals. City overcame Madrid’s challenge with four unopposed goals (5-1 in both legs) in the home match. Pep Guardiola’s team put out a performance that saw off the reigning champions at the Etihad Stadium. City, who secured the final with Bernardo Silva’s double in the first half, did not stop there. An own goal by the elder Militao left Madrid trailing by three goals with minutes remaining in the coffin, and Julian Alvarez hit the final nail and scored the fourth goal.
City’s victory was also sweet revenge for their loss to Real in the semi-finals last year. This is City’s second finals appearance in the last three years. The Portuguese midfielder Silva gave City the lead in the 23rd minute. In the 37th minute, Silva put City two ahead with a header. Real’s bid for a comeback in the second half was thwarted by City’s constant attacks. Real’s last hope was dashed in the 76th minute when Kevin De Bruyne’s free-kick deflected off Militao’s leg and into the net. Alvarez completed City’s heroics with one more in injury time. This is City’s 26th unbeaten run at the Etihad. City lost to Chelsea in the final two years ago. The Manchester City-Inter Milan final will be played at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Turkey on June 11.
