Manchester City demonstrated their dominance as they stormed into the Champions League final with a resounding 4-0 victory over defending champions Real Madrid at a vibrant Etihad Stadium. Bernardo Silva’s brace in the first half established City’s control, followed by an own goal from Eder Militao and a late strike by Julian Alvarez to seal the win. This triumph avenged last year’s painful semi-final exit and sets up a showdown against Inter Milan, making City the favorites to claim the coveted trophy they have been yearning for since 2008.
Unbeaten in 26 home matches in the competition, City never relinquished their commanding position after Silva’s clinical finish in the 23rd minute and his headed goal in the 37th minute. Real Madrid, aiming for their sixth Champions League title in a decade, struggled to mount a comeback as City showcased their relentless performance, moving closer to a historic treble. A deflection off Militao from Kevin De Bruyne’s free-kick extinguished any hope for Carlo Ancelotti’s team, while Alvarez’s composed finish added the final flourish to an unforgettable night for City.
The atmosphere inside City’s fortress was electric, heightened by the significance of the match as an unofficial final, with Inter Milan awaiting the victors. The lineups mirrored the thrilling 1-1 draw from the previous week, with the only change being Militao replacing Antonio Rudiger in Real’s defense. From the outset, City seized control, stifling Real’s attempts to launch attacks and leaving them confined to their half. Courtois’ heroics in goal denied Haaland twice, but Silva’s splendid strike from the edge of the penalty area, City’s eighth attempt on goal within 23 minutes, broke the deadlock.
Real Madrid struggled to mount a response, with City’s Kyle Walker outpacing Vinicius Jr to extinguish their fleeting attacking threat. Toni Kroos, one of Real’s five players to have won the Champions League five times, unleashed a dipping shot that grazed the crossbar, but Silva ensured City entered halftime with a commanding lead. Reacting swiftly to Gundogan’s saved shot, Silva looped a header into the net, leaving City in complete control and toying with the 14-time champions.
Real Madrid required a stroke of magic to revive their hopes, and David Alaba came close with a dipping free kick, brilliantly saved by Ederson six minutes into the second half. Courtois continued to keep Ancelotti’s side in the tie with another save from Haaland, who remained eager to add to his remarkable tally of 53 goals this season. However, any aspirations of replicating last year’s incredible comeback were shattered when De Bruyne’s free kick glanced off Militao and found the net.
Alvarez added the finishing touch with a composed finish in stoppage time, securing City’s place in the Istanbul final. With their spot in the showpiece event secured, City can now turn their focus to potentially securing their fifth Premier League title in six seasons this weekend, in addition to the upcoming FA Cup final. The prospect of achieving a historic treble adds further excitement to City’s remarkable season and their pursuit of silverware.
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