MATCH REPORT AND PLAYER RATINGS - MANCHESTER CITY 4-0 REAL MADRID

Image courtesy of eurosport.com

Manchester City blew away the reigning champions of Europe Real Madrid, in what was a comprehensive 4-0 victory for Pep Guardiola's side, to reach the UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul.

The Blues were dominate from the off, as their was a marked increase in tempo and attacking threat from last week's 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Bernabeu.

In fact, the first time I noticed Real Madrid have a spell of possession where they knocked the ball around City's press (and kept hold of the ball for more than 10 seconds) was in the 18th minute, an early indicator of Carlo Ancelotti's side's fate.

City came closest to taking the lead early on, through a drilled effort from holding midfielder Rodri, and two Erling Haaland headers from close range well saved by Thibaut Courtois, with the 22 year old surprisingly failing to add to his remarkable 52 goals so far this season.

City capitalised on their fast start - something they may well not have done a few seasons ago - with a goal, as a perfectly weighted through ball by Kevin de Bruyne was slammed home at the near post by big game player Bernardo Silva.

The Portuguese international's excellent finish sparked pandemonium in the packed Etihad Stadium, as Bernardo slid passionately towards the corner flag, to a backdrop of raucous celebration.

This isn't exactly the sort of celebration usually seen by a player who has wanted out for 3 consecutive summers, but Bernardo isn't that type of player. He has offered nothing but his best since he signed from AS Monaco in 2017, and will likely leave the club an icon, whenever that may be.

He got his second goal 10 minutes before the break, following in on Gundogan's left footed shot saved by Thibaut Courtois for Real Madrid, to loop a header in the top corner.

The two goal cushion for Manchester City certainly made them much more comfortable in the tie, but haunting memories of last year's Champions League semi final against the same opposition will have been haunting City fans, especially as Real Madrid started the second half as the slightly stronger team.

But the holders of the Champions League just aren't the same team as they were last year. Karim Benzema, Los Blancos' club captain and the holder of the Ballon D'or, was anonymous in both legs, with players such as Rodrygo, Federico Valverde, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos failing to live up to their high expectations before the tie.

Even Vinicius Junior, who had a brilliant game in the first leg, was dealt with in the second leg, mostly down to a flawless performance from the brilliant Kyle Walker.

City wrestled back control of the match, and ultimately deserved their third goal, which came from Swiss international Manuel Akanji, heading home from Kevin de Bruyne's wide freekick, with the Belgian seemingly taking instructions from Pep Guardiola just moments before he struck the decisive blow.

At this point, even the most pessimistic fans began to relax a bit, as the Poznan broke around the joyous Etihad Stadium, with Guardiola's side taking this momentum in their stride as they looked comfortable in defending every Real Madrid chance, with their only chance being defended excellently by the Blues.

Julian Alvarez put the icing on a very sweet tasting cake with a lovely slotted finish past Courtois, after pouncing on a through ball by fellow substitute Phil Foden.

The players made their way around the pitch to thank the supporters after the game, who were dancing to "Rhythm is a Dancer" by Snap! and "Everywhere" by Fleetwood Mac, two songs with the unlikely link of being the original songs for current popular City chants.

City will now face Simone Inzaghi - and City cult hero Edin Dzeko's - Inter Milan in the Champions League final on June 10th. On paper, Pep Guardiola's side are overwhelming favourites, especially after comfortably beating both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, but no-one associated with the club will be naïve enough to view this match as a forgone conclusion, given that it is a one off final where anything can happen.

There is always, also, an ongoing "Typical City" narrative still buzzing around the fanbase, despite the consistent recent success City have had.

Leaving on a more positive note, however, an historic treble for Manchester City is now looking like perhaps a probability, rather than a possibility. This is one of the most talented squads ever assembled, and, essentially, City are now just 3 cup finals - Chelsea, Manchester United and Inter Milan - away from glory.

Here are the player ratings for a monumental night at the Etihad Stadium:

Ederson - 8.5/10 - A surprisingly quiet night for the Brazilian, considering the circumstances, but he came up trumps when needed, making notable saves from David Alaba and Dani Ceballos. Distribution top notch as always.

Walker - 10/10 - Sensational performance from the 32 year old, keeping Vinicius Junior's contribution to an absolute minimum. When the 22 year old Brazilian inevitably did get involved, he was dealt with expertly by Walker, who used his pace and reading of the game to win the ball back comfortably. No-one in world football could've done what Walker did last night.

Stones - 8.5/10 - The Englishman won numerous headers at the back, and kept Karim Benzema quiet throughout. Dropped into midfield when City had the ball, which is something becoming so common and effortless nowadays it's hardly noteworthy anymore.

Dias - 8.5/10 - Commanding performance at the back from the 26 year old, martialling the backline well and winning duel after duel.

Akanji - 9.5/10 - Brazilian winger Rodrygo, who claimed he'd be studying his opponent before the first leg of this tie, surely didn't expect to come up Akanji, given the way he was pocketed by the Swiss international in both legs of the tie. Akanji scored his first City goal to seal the game for good, proving himself to be one of the signings of the season!

Rodri - 9/10 - Monumental performance at the base of midfield by City's number 16! Sweeping up almost every loose ball, Rodri was absolutely everywhere for City, and was very unlucky to not get a goal contribution after his low driven ball across goal crept narrowly past the far post.

De Bruyne - 8.5/10 - De Bruyne looked very tired by the time of his substitution, but contributed greatly in the right sided half space, with two excellent assists.

Bernardo - 10/10 - City's best big game player turned up again, to make the Blue boys sing and send us all to Istanbul! Bernardo had Eduardo Camavinga on toast all evening, beating numerous times on the inside and outside, and left his mark on the game with two excellent goals.

Haaland - 8/10 - Brilliant centre forward performance from the Norwegian, holding the ball up well and causing a consistent problem for Real Madrid's two centre backs Eder Militao and David Alaba.

Grealish - 8.5//10 - Had the last laugh in the battle between him and Dani Carbajal, as he tore the Spaniard to shreds all evening. Looked comfortable on the ball all evening, helping to keep the ball for City when needed.

Substitutes:

Mahrez - 6.5/10 - Had a few good touches and defended well, but was otherwise very quiet.

Foden- 7.5/10 - It looks like we could well have found the long term replacement for Kevin de Bruyne in attacking midfield for Manchester City in one of their very own. Set up City's fourth goal with an excellent through ball to Alvarez.

Alvarez - 7.5/10 - Tirelessly pressed off the bench, replacing Erling Haaland, and scored an excellent goal, slid beyond the reach of Thibaut Courtois.