Last night, we witnessed one of the most ruthless Champions League semi-final performances. Manchester City were not at all courteous to their visitors, thrashing them with a 4-0 commanding victory. Real Madrid lost the tie with an aggregate score of 5-1 after having drawn the first leg at home.
Manchester City to play Inter Milan in Champions League final
Right from the start, Man City displayed a lethal and exuberant approach against Real Madrid in UCL semi-final, matching the enthusiasm of their fans in the stands. They did not let their past performances in knockout games affect the destination and goal they had to reach; THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL in ISTANBUL.
The hosts went 2-0 up before halftime thanks to Bernardo’s Silva brace. Bernardo is such a class player, short, not at all fast, not strong, but such agility and intelligence, backed by insane ball control. The Portuguese depicted his prowess with the ball in both his goals; the first one being a sharp kick into the near post while the second goal being a calm and composed looping header.
The second half was a mere formality, with Real Madrid making efforts to breach Manchester City’s defense and overcome goalkeeper Ederson. However, their closest opportunity was a shot by Toni Kroos that hit the woodwork. Meanwhile, Man City continued their dominance, scoring two more goals and sealing a resounding 4-0 victory. They have now overcome one significant hurdle and have only one left in the form of Inter Milan.
Manchester City helped by the faltering Arsenal
Apart from the Champions League, Manchester City have their eye on the Premier League and FA Cup as well. While they face their neighbours Manchester United in the final of the FA Cup, they only need to win one game in the Premier League out of the remaining three to be crowned as Champions. This would mean Guardiola’s fifth title in the last six years.
Arsenal, who had accumulated an impressive 50 points from 19 games, a total surpassed by only six teams in the history of English League football at this stage, enjoyed an eight-point advantage on April 1. However, in their most recent seven games, Arsenal has suffered a decline, losing a total of 12 points. They kept faltering and disregarding themselves. During this crucial period, when the pressure to perform was high, Arsenal managed to secure only nine points out of a possible 21.
Following their 3-0 defeat to Brighton, Arsenal are now four points behind league leaders Manchester City. With three games remaining for City and two for Arsenal, Pep Guardiola’s squad can clinch the title as early as Sunday if they defeat Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium. In fact, if Arsenal loses to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Manchester City could potentially secure the trophy even earlier.
Another Historic Treble Awaits
Well, Manchester City can somewhere thank their rivals in a way for losing points in the last stages of the Premier League. In the span of 3 games, Arsenal lost 7 points and gave away their 5 point lead, helping Manchester City reach the spot they have been sitting a long time for the last six years.
While one may say that Man City are confirmed champions of the Premier League and favourites to win the remaining two cups, the treble is still a distant achievement considering the fatigue that Pep Guardiola’s players may feel due to increased game time.
Having said that, I would still be surprised, rather shocked, if Manchester City don’t end up with a TREBLE!!
