City Crushes Real Madrid to Reach Champions League Final
In a ruthless display of dominance, Manchester City crushed Real Madrid 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium, eliminating their chances of reaching the European Champions League final. Bernardo Silva starred for City, scoring two goals in the 23rd and 37th minutes. Real Madrid’s misery was compounded when Eder Militao inadvertently scored an own goal in the 76th minute, followed by a late strike from substitute Julia Alvarez in stoppage time.
First-Half Onslaught and Silva’s Brilliance
Manchester City began the match with a relentless offensive surge. In the 7th minute, Kevin De Bruyne played superb through ball to Erling Haaland, but the defense intervened just in time to deny City an early goal. Thibaut Courtois, the Real Madrid goalkeeper, produced a miraculous save in the 13th minute, deflecting Haaland’s header after a cross from Jack Grealish.
City continued to press forward, earning a free kick in the 19th minute that De Bruyne narrowly missed, as his shot passed by the near post. Courtois once again demonstrated his prowess by leaping to save Haaland’s deceptive header in the 21st minute. The breakthrough finally came for Manchester City in the 23rd minute when De Bruyne cleverly assisted Bernardo Silva, who calmly slotted the ball into the net from inside the penalty area.
Real Madrid’s Struggles and Silva’s Second Goal
Real Madrid’s attempts to respond were limited, with their first shot coming in the 35th minute when Toni Kroos struck a powerful shot that rattled the goalpost. City, however, swiftly added a second goal in the 37th minute. Eder Militao inadvertently blocked Ilkay Gundogan’s shot, only for the ball to fall to the feet of Portuguese winger Silva, who confidently headed it into the net for his second goal of the match.
City’s Caution and Real Madrid’s Frustration
In the second half, Manchester City adopted a more cautious approach while Real Madrid sought to regain control of the game. The royal team was awarded a free kick in the 51st minute, but David Alaba’s well-struck shot was brilliantly saved by City’s Brazilian goalkeeper, Ederson.
As the match settled, Real Madrid made a substitution, bringing in Luka Modric for an added midfield presence. Manchester City remained cautious, relying on counter-attacks that posed little threat. Haaland missed an opportunity in the 66th minute, failing to connect with De Bruyne’s cross in front of the goal.
Real Madrid’s Demise and Substitute Alvarez’s Goal
Real Madrid introduced Marco Asensio, but their hopes faded when Militao inadvertently scored an own goal in the 76th minute, attempting to clear the ball from a free kick. With 10 minutes remaining, Real Madrid made additional substitutions but failed to make an impact in the attacking line. Karim Benzema finally tested Ederson in the 83rd minute, but the goalkeeper denied his attempt.
In the dying moments of the match, substitute Julia Alvarez delivered the final blow to Real Madrid, coolly slotting the ball into the net after receiving a pass from fellow substitute Phil Foden in stoppage time.
Looking Forward
With their emphatic victory, Manchester City secured their place in the Champions League final. They will face Inter Milan on June 10 at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey. City’s resounding performance against Real Madrid exemplified their determination and quality, as they aim to claim the prestigious European title.
