MANCHESTER – Manchester City advanced into the UEFA Champions League final twice in the last three seasons, having the best opportunity to earn their first even European championship in club history.
The Blue Moons showed their power to dominate the continent with an unbeatable performance, crushing Real Madrid 4-0 in the UCL season 2022/23 semi final second leg, qualified with aggregate 5-1.
Both teams drew 1-1 at Bernabeu Stadium, the English Premier League powerhouse totally controlled the game at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night, giving the Spanish giant no hope to defend their title.
The Cities quickly took over the match in the first half, leading two goals with double scores by Bernardo Silva in the 23rd and 37th minutes.
City’s players, especially Erling Haaland, could be netting more goals but were denied by Madrid’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois’ brilliant saves.
Real Madrid’s nightmare at Etihad Stadium
Pep Guardiola didn’t reserve his squad’s firepower in the second half although they almost secured the victory with aggregate 3-1 during the break.
Manuel Akanji put the ball into the goal during a free kick in 76’, to make the score 3-0.
A teamwork between three substituted players contributed to the last goal, as Riyad Mahrez passed the ball to Phil Foden to assist Julian Alvarez in the additional time.
A 0-4 failure not just embarrassed the UCL defending champion, it also warned Carlo Ancelotti to rebuild his team which is probably not competitive for the tournament next season.
The Treble for Man City?
After the most significant victory this season so far, Man City is having a bright opportunity to achieve the Treble by winning three matches in the coming month.
The Premier League leader will succeed to win their fifth EPL trophy in the last six seasons, by beating Chelsea in the matchday 37 at home this Sunday.
They are also the favoured side in the FA Cup final against Manchester United on 3rd June at Wembley Stadium.
Lastly, the Blue Moons will face Inter Milan in the Champions League final on 10th June at Istanbul, their last mission in order to become the triple winner.
Only Man United achieved the Treble record in English football history, which they did in 2009 during Sir Alex Ferguson’s era.
Upcoming: Europa League semi final
After the UCL semi final finished, the UEFA Europa League semi final second leg will be played on Thursday night.
Sevilla will meet Juventus in Spain, the six times UEL winner drew 1-1 with Le Zebre at Turin last week.
Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen will face AS Roma again in Germany, trying to reverse the aggregate of 0-1 with their support from home fans.
Jose Mourinho seeks to lead the Red Wolves to stay unbeaten tonight, to eliminate the Bundesliga club which is coached by Xabi Alonso, his former player during the Real Madrid era.
If Juventus and Roma manage to qualify to the final on 31st May at Puskas Arena, there will be an Italian club as the winner and grab the ticket to Champions League next season.
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