Man City climate storm in Champions League
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Manchester City is counting the damage fee after generating a disciplined performance to comfy a fractious zero-zero draw at Atletico Madrid and reach the Champions League semi-finals 1-0 on the combination.
City, bidding to win European membership football’s most prestigious trophy for the primary time, will play record thirteen-instances champions Real Madrid for a place in the final.
Tensions boiled over within the final degrees in Madrid on Wednesday night time and Atletico defender Felipe turned into sent off after receiving a 2nd yellow card earlier than the teams played out 12 mins of added time.
Scuffles broke out most of the players following Felipe’s dismissal for kicking out at Phil Foden and endured after the final whistle as the groups went down the tunnel, with the police having to intrude to restore calm.
The English champions have been at ease in the first half, Ilkay Gundogan struck the post with their nice risk after a flowing move down the proper, but they did no longer control another try-on aim the relaxation of the game.
City manager Pep Guardiola dared Atletico to break out from their ordinary conservative method and, roared on by way of a boisterous crowd at Metropolitano stadium, they tried hard to play with a greater attacking motive.
The site visitors had been affected person, slowing down the pace of the game and jogging down the clock to the displeasure of Atletico manager Diego Simeone and their vocal supporter crowd.
The Spanish champions loved extra ownership after the interval and threatened to score the purpose that might have taken the sport into greater time but had been not able to interrupt down the City defense no matter growing numerous precise probabilities.
The city had handiest two intention attempts to 12 from Atletico after the break and their goalkeeper Ederson made important stops in brought time to ensure his crew advanced to the remaining 4.
City supervisor Pep Guardiola admitted his aspect had been fortunate now not to surrender a goal.
“They are a champion of Spain and played with extraordinary energy inside the 2nd half, better than us and we were fortunate we did not concede,” he said.
The win got here at a fee with Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker each coming off after treatment at the same time as Phil Foden left the pitch heavily bandaged.
“We are in large trouble,” Guardiola brought. “We can’t forget about we performed three days ago a hard recreation in opposition to Liverpool. We came right here, we have a number of injuries. I do not know what’s going to happen in the next weeks but nowadays we are going to have a good time.
“It is the third time in Manchester City’s history we are in the semi-finals of the Champions League and it’s miles a large achievement for us to be there.”
Atletico had been unimpressed by City’s technique to the game.
“When Atletico play the way City played these days, we’re very criticized. Let’s see what people say nowadays,” captain Koke stated.
“I’m pleased with my crewmates for the attempt they’ve made, nothing accountable the team for. We’ve had our possibilities, we haven’t taken gain of them, and congratulations to the rival, however, Atleti deserved more.”
