Manchester City produced a dominant and high-quality performance to defeat the reigning champions, Real Madrid by 4-0 and 5-1 on aggregate to secure their place in the Champions League final for the second time in three years.
Despite having previously lost last season’s semi-final against Real, City put on a flawless display at their home ground, the Etihad Stadium, and are now just one victory away from winning the coveted trophy that has eluded them under the leadership of Pep Guardiola.
The first half was particularly memorable, as City’s masterful play left the tournament favorites, Real, struggling to keep up.
Although Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made some heroic saves to deny Erling Haaland, he was unable to stop Bernardo Silva’s close-range finish in the 23rd minute, and the Portugal midfielder added a second goal with a looping header eight minutes before half-time.
While Real did pose a few threats in the second half, with David Alaba and Karim Benzema both being denied by City’s goalkeeper, Ederson, the match was effectively won in that magical first half.
Manuel Akanji’s header made it three before substitute, Julian Alvarez added a fourth late in the game.
City will now play Inter Milan in the final on the 3rd of June in Istanbul.