“Most versatile and unpredictable player”- Fans laud Bernardo Silva as he almost secures UCL final spot for Manchester City after brace v Real Madrid
Manchester City grab two goal lead in the first half.
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Bernardo Silva celebrates with Erling Haaland. (Credits: ESPN)
Bernardo Silva scored twice for Manchester City in their Champions League semi-final versus Real Madrid. The Portuguese scored in the 23rd minute to open the scoring and added to his tally 14 minutes later.
Real Madrid eliminated Manchester City in two of their previous three Champions League semi-final ties, with both victories coming in 2015-16 and 2021-22. Should they fail to progress, it would be the first time a team have been eliminated in the semis by the same side in consecutive years. However, they were in complete control, with the away side struggling to get a touch of the ball. The Cityzens recorded over 70 percent possession in the first half.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois brilliantly thwarted Erling Haaland’s two massive opportunities to score. However, City remained undeterred and eventually took the lead. Kyle Walker and John Stones worked the ball patiently on the right-hand side before Kevin de Bruyne rolled the ball to Silva. The Portuguese international took a touch before smashing a left-footed effort past the helpless Courtois.
The City winger deserves tremendous credit, as he took a moment to gain his composure before deceiving Courtois at his near post. Bernardo was not done there, as he scored a rebound to make it 2-0, following a low left-footed prod from Gundogan denied by Eder Militao. The deflection looped up fortuitously into the path of Silva, who delicately headed it over Alaba on the line and into the top-right corner.
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Fans react to Bernardo Silva brace
Manchester City’s early lead provides them a significant advantage, but they will be well aware that the tie is far from over. Real Madrid are the last team to give up, especially in a UEFA Champions League knockout game.
Regardless, Manchester City were entirely deserving of their goals, with Real Madrid punished for their insistence to sit back and attempt to soak up pressure. They will be looking to the likes of Vinicius Jr. and Luka Modric for inspiration if they are to make one of their famous comebacks.
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Anany Kapoor
(105 Articles Published)