In order to go to the final against Inter Milan in Istanbul and win the UEFA Champions League for the first time, Manchester City overcame Real Madrid 4-0 in the second leg of their semifinal matchup. A brace from Bernardo Silva, an own goal from Eder Militao, and a goal from Julian Alvarez with seconds remaining sealed City's resounding win.
In the semifinal semifinal match at Santiago Bernabeu's first leg, Real Madrid and Man City were tied 1-1 on aggregate. Eduardo Camavinga and Eder Militao's inclusion in the playing XI for Madrid against a City team that had not altered from the first leg gave them a significant advantage going into the second game.
They had little impact, however, as City rumbled through a feeble Madrid defense, which had to give Thibaut Courtois credit for keeping the score from being any worse.
Before Bernardo Silva broke the score in the 23rd minute, the Belgian goaltender produced two great saves in the first half to save Erling Haaland.
With barely seven minutes remaining, Kevin de Bruyne and Erling Haaland, whose pairing had been deadly all season, found their groove once again. Although Haaland beat Courtois, his cutback failed to locate a teammate.
Dani Carvajal was tortured all night long by one of the wrecker-in-chiefs, Jack Grealish. Haaland headed an enticing pass from the Englishman right at the Belgian, who produced an amazing stop. Shortly after, Haaland had another opportunity to score, but Courtois blocked it with a hand to maintain, if only momentarily, his clean sheet.
Real Madrid and the Belgian were split apart by a through ball from De Bruyne, and Silva beat Courtois at his near post to let the floodgates open.
The only notable opportunity for the visitors in the first half came from Toni Kroos hitting the woodwork from a distance, but by the time Madrid failed to clear their lines, Silva had nodded in from close range to put Madrid up 2-0.
The Los Blancos were a much-improved side heading into the second half thanks to Carlo Ancelotti's halftime team talk, but they lacked the cutting edge. Before Courtois denied Haaland once again with a one-on-one save, Ederson stopped a magnificent free kick from David Alaba.
Eder Militao's own goal helped Pep Guardiola's team secure their trip to Istanbul. Camavinga had given away an unnecessary free kick, and Militao could only divert De Bruyne's arcing shot beyond his own helpless custodian.
It would only get worse for Madrid as they let up a fourth goal right at the very end. Phil Foden then again broke through the visitors' defense, and Julian Alvarez sealed a resounding win that puts City on track for the coveted treble.
