90min

Twitter reacts as Man City thrash Real Madrid to qualify for Champions League final

By Sean Walsh

Man City have done it
Man City have done it / Michael Regan/GettyImages
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Manchester City have done it. They have avenged last year's collapse. They have beaten Real Madrid and reached the Champions League final.

The reigning Premier League champions put their Spanish counterparts to the sword and were utterly dominant at the Etihad Stadium.

The big news pre-match was that Antonio Rudiger had been dropped to the bench for Real Madrid, with Eder Militao coming back into the side following a suspension.

Man City started fast on home turf and were twice denied by brilliant saves from Thibaut Courtois, with the Belgian's hip denying Erling Haaland an early header before stretching to push away a second.

Courtois' heroics couldn't last forever though and Bernardo Silva gave Man City the lead midway through the first half.

Toni Kroos had Real Madrid's first shot of the evening, with his near 30-yard strike crashing against the crossbar.

However, Real Madrid were then caught out back down the other end as Silva added his second of the evening, heading home after Ilkay Gundogan's shot was blocked.

Of course, it wouldn't be a big game without Arsenal fans piping up when it has nothing to do with them. Gooners targeted Gary Neville but he wasn't having any of it.

Rudiger was eventually introduced after the hour mark, replacing a ragged Luka Modric.

Man City's third came with 15 minutes left. Kevin De Bruyne's free-kick was flicked on by Manuel Akanji, with the telling touch coming off Militao.

There was still time for Real Madrid to concede another, though, with Julian Alvarez coming off the bench to grab Man City's fourth.

And so, Man City's place in the Champions League final was confirmed. The treble dream is still alive.

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