England fans greeted their players with streamers, they responded with glitter. The party is likely to continue long into the Mancunian night since Manchester City qualified for the second Champions League final in its history by winning (4-0). As in 2021 against Chelsea, the Premier League leader will be favorites against Inter. And if they reproduce their performance this Wednesday evening, it is difficult to see how the cup with the big ears could escape them.
Pep Guardiola’s players immediately took Madrid by the throat, depriving them of the ball and suffocating them with repetitive strikes. It was carnival in front of Thibaut Courtois’ goal. Walker (4th), Rodri (7th), Stones (12th), Haaland (13th) and Grealish (13th) all tried in the first quarter of an hour. In 2022, during the same poster, at the same stage of the competition, Kevin De Bruyne had scored in the second minute. This time the Citizens had to wait a little longer. The fault of an inspired Belgian goalkeeper, who deployed with great class on a header from Haaland (21st). But of City’s 13 strikes in the first half, one had to end up getting in. It was Bernardo Silva who took care of it. The Portuguese, well served by Kevin De Bruyne, took advantage of a marking error to score with a powerful shot at the near post. Bis repeated at the 37th. This time, the former Monegasque inherits a blocked ball to adjust a placed and thoughtful header. Just like the player he is, as Pep Guadriola keeps repeating. It’s not for nothing that Paris Saint-Germain have made it their priority for this summer.
Fourth final for Guardiola
Real Madrid were used to sharp reactions, Toni Kroos almost perpetuated the tradition of a pure and powerful strike, but he found the crossbar of Ederson (35th). This time Real does not work miracles. Benzema, little in sight during this double confrontation, did not play the troublemakers. Neither did Rodrygo. Militao against his camp (76th) and Julian Alvarez (90 + 1) dashed the last hopes of the Merengues who lost their first return match in the Champions League since the semi-final against Chelsea in 2021.
Guardiola will play his fourth C1 final on June 10 in Istanbul. The second of the Sky Blues. The first of Herling Haaland who may have the golden ball in the corner of the head. This mix of experience, talent and youth gives an explosive cocktail that goes straight for a final victory. Especially since the finals in Istanbul are not really successful for Milan clubs historically. Carlo Ancelotti remembers it (defeat of AC Milan on penalties against Liverpool in 2005).
