Man City beats Real Madrid 4-0 to advance to Champions League final
By James Robson, The Associated Press on May 17, 2023.
MANCHESTER, England (AP) – Bernardo Silva scored twice as Manchester City advanced to the Champions League final with a 4-0 win against Real Madrid on Wednesday. City will play Inter Milan in Istanbul on June 10 when Pep Guardiola will get the chance to win European soccer’s elite competition for the third time as a coach. Bernardo scored in the 23rd and 37th minutes at Etihad Stadium, with Eder Militao’s own goal in the 76th and a stoppage-time strike from substitute Julian Alvarez sealing a 5-1 aggregate win. City is aiming to lift the Champions League for the first time in its history and has advanced to the final for the second time in three seasons. Madrid was going in search of a record-extending 15th European Cup, but was totally dominated in the second leg after the first match at the Santiago Bernabeu ended 1-1. Bernardo beat Thibaut Courtois at his near post to put City ahead after Erling Haaland had already forced two saves from the Madrid goalkeeper. Toni Kroos then hit the bar for the visitors, but Bernardo struck again when heading in a rebound after Ilkay Gundogan’s effort was blocked. Madrid have been the comeback kings over the past two season – including in last year’s semifinal against City when going through 6-5 after extra time. There was to be no repeat on this occasion, however, as Militao headed into his own net in the second half to end Madrid’s hopes, before Alvarez’ late strike. Guardiola twice won the Champions League when coach of Barcelona, but has failed to add to that total at former club Bayern Munich or City. ___ James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson ___ More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports 15-14
