(Football news) Reigning champions of England Manchester City defeated Bayern Munich 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final. Rodri opened the scoring for the hosts in the 27th minute before Bernardo Silva doubled the advantage with a header in the 70th minute. Erling Haaland then put the game to bed in the 76th minute to put his side in a very good position to qualify into the next round.
In team news, Pep Guardiola made just one change to the team that defeated Southampton with Bernardo Silva replacing Riyad Mahrez while Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel named Sadio Mane and Joao Cancelo amongst substitutes while Leroy Sane featured against his old club. The victory is undoubtedly a very big result for Manchester City who haven’t won a single European trophy in the club’s history but will be looking to win one this time around. The first leg of the semi final will take place on May 9th or May 10th while the second leg will be on May 16th or May 17th.
Speaking after the match, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said “It was not comfortable at all. I am emotionally destroyed! I have 10 more years today. It was such a demanding game. For 55 to 60 minutes, it was a tight game, for parts they were better than us. From the start of the second half, they were better.
“We could not control them. But we adjusted something and we were better. It is an incredible result. But we have to do something in Munich a little bit better not to suffer too much. We will try to do it. I have been there many times. I know this team is special. To knock out these top teams you need two top games not one.
He added “I know exactly what we have to do there. If we do not perform well, they can score one, two or three. I know that and the players know it. It is an incredible result but we have to do our game with a huge, huge personality because otherwise these are top clubs and teams. Here, we have our chances, in our stadium, we are something special this season.
“We have our momentum, we are clinical and have that weapon. But it is the same for Munich. I have been there, you have not been there. I have been there for three years. I know what it means for the people, we are going there to score goals and try to win the game. If not, it will be so difficult.”
Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel said “This does not feel like a 3-0 but it is a 3-0 and it is a huge, huge task now to turn this around. We are realistic but we will not give up. It will not be over until we are in the shower. If City gets this sort of goal it gets really, really difficult. The reaction was great during the first half. In the second half, it was even better. In the period where the goal could give us a huge boost of confidence, the opposite happened.”
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