Manchester City have qualified for the final of the Champions League in a dominant manner. In the second leg, Real Madrid was swept off the mat 4-0. On June 10, Kevin De Bruyne awaits a clash with Romelu Lukaku’s Inter.
After the first leg in Madrid, much was written about how Haaland was single-handedly kept out of the game by one Antonio Rüdiger. But the German had to watch from the couch in Manchester. Carlo Ancelotti once again preferred Eder Militao.
The opening phase in a sweltering Etihad Stadium was obvious for the home side, with Real struggling to break free. The fact that it barely had 22% (!) possession of the ball was a serious sign on the wall. It therefore seemed only a matter of time when the 1-0 would come out of the blue. Just before fifteen minutes Grealish found Haaland’s head, but the Norwegian nodded to Courtois, who had to show his true class on another try a handful of minutes later. Against foot, he pushed Haaland’s header out.
Cover on the nose after counter-prick
For the second time a stay of execution, because after a very fine pass from Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva had too much space in the Madrid sixteen. The Portuguese was able to outwit Courtois. That’s called from the box to the wall.
After a collective discussion at Real, the Spaniards managed to fight a little more in the match towards the half hour mark. Toni Kroos suddenly startled all the blue hearts with a scorching shot that exploded on the sleeper.
It would only be a minor flare-up as City responded with another counter-punch. Gündogan was initially stopped, Silva headed in an empty goal in the rebound: 2-0. City more than ever on their way to the final.
Quieter second half
Real came out of the dressing rooms with fresh courage and immediately decorated a great opportunity. David Alaba’s free kick was just cleared from under the crossbar by Ederson. But that good chance did not set a remontada in motion. Although the Spaniards had more of the ball compared to the first half, the pace quickly disappeared from the game. City ran everything very well and did not run into problems.
After a few counter-punches from the home team, the score was expanded even further. Haaland first again did not get past Courtois, who prevented the 3-0 with an excellent foot sweep. Though it was worth it afterwards. A stagnant phase from De Bruyne ensured that Eder Militao did an antics through his body in his own goal. Book all the way.
De Bruyne was allowed to rest to loud applause and the Red Devil saw how substitute Julian Alvarez put the ultimate icing on the cake with the heavy, but above all deserved 4-0. On June 10, a clash with Romelu Lukaku’s Inter awaits in Istanbul, Turkey.
2023-05-17 20:50:00
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