Silva shines as Man City show Champions League swagger to dismantle Madrid

Manchester City put on an exceptional display, led by Bernardo Silva’s brace in the first half, to dethrone reigning champions Real Madrid and secure a spot in the Champions League final.

Eder Militao’s own goal and a late strike from Julian Alvarez sealed a comprehensive 4-0 victory for City at the Etihad Stadium, propelling them into the showpiece event in Istanbul next month with a resounding 5-1 aggregate score.

City’s triumph was a true reflection of their dominance, as the 14-time European champions struggled to cope with the speed and fluidity of Pep Guardiola’s mesmerizing side.

While Toni Kroos did hit the woodwork when the scoreline was 1-0, it was one of the few bright moments for a Real team that found themselves overwhelmed throughout the match.

For City, this victory provided sweet revenge for their defeat at the same stage last season, and their upcoming final against Inter Milan could potentially serve as the crowning achievement of a remarkable treble.

Right from the start, the hosts set a scorching pace and established a commanding presence that lasted for the majority of the game. Although they had controlled possession for large spells in the first leg as well, this time City displayed greater dynamism. In contrast, Real Madrid appeared far from comfortable, a fact exemplified by their struggles at the Bernabeu last week.

Early on, Kyle Walker fired a warning shot over the bar, and Erling Haaland rounded Thibaut Courtois but failed to find anyone in front of goal. Rodri beat two defenders before shooting across the goal, and John Stones drove wide, with Courtois making two superb saves to deny Haaland’s headers.

It came as no surprise when the opening goal arrived. Kevin De Bruyne slipped in Silva, who cleverly flicked a left-footed shot from eight yards, finding the back of the net inside the near post. Real Madrid had barely touched the ball or made any advances into City’s half in the preceding 23 minutes, and their struggles persisted as Haaland once again missed the target.

Although the visitors did manage to enjoy some possession afterward, Walker comfortably handled a Vinicius Junior break. Kroos stunned the raucous Etihad crowd by smashing a long-range shot against the bar, almost out of the blue. However, City quickly regained control.

Jack Grealish made a skillful run into the area and passed to Ilkay Gundogan, whose shot was blocked by Militao. However, the deflection fell kindly for Silva, who headed home to double City’s lead.

The attacks persisted until halftime, with Manuel Akanji’s effort blocked and Real Madrid looking completely flat as they left the field for the break.

Early in the second half, Ederson was tested as he tipped a David Alaba free-kick over the bar. Nevertheless, City continued to dominate possession. As Real Madrid started to stretch, Haaland came agonizingly close to scoring a third goal, as his shot rebounded off Courtois’ leg and struck the crossbar.

However, Real Madrid’s fate was sealed soon after. De Bruyne delivered a free-kick from the left, and Akanji’s glancing header deflected off Militao and past Courtois into the net.

Substitute Dani Ceballos forced a late save from Ederson as Real Madrid sought a consolation goal, but Alvarez wrapped up a memorable victory for City with a composed finish in stoppage time.