In the semi-finals of the Champions League, we watched an unforgettable match. Manchester City made a super performance against Real Madrid and qualified for the final match. Four goals scored on goalkeeper Courtois made Real Madrid fans live a tough and embarrassing night. Losing is normal and all teams can lose, but for Real Madrid losing in this way is unacceptable.
How did Manchester City outperform?
Everyone expected that Guardiola would press from the start of the match and try to score goals early, but not in this way. The pressure was crazy, and although Real Madrid held out for some time, in the end they received the first goal from Bernardo Silva after he got rid of Camavinga's control. The first goal made Manchester City psychologically superior.
Manchester City were diverse, attacking from the sides and depth, attacking the half spaces, playing high balls, and entering the Real Madrid penalty area a lot.
Real Madrid could not get out of the pressure even though they are special because the Manchester City players were putting intense pressure on the Real Madrid midfielders who were not at their best.
Real Madrid's offensive plan was disrupted, Karim Benzema was not in his best condition, Rodrygo was unable to get dangerous chances, and most importantly, Vinicius Junior lost his battle against Kyle Walker, who made a great defensive performance and prevented Vinicius from reaching goalkeeper Ederson.
In general:
The match was like a clash of generations, modern football vs classic football. Guardiola succeeded in imposing his style and dominated the match. He succeeded in attacking, scoring four goals and succeeded in defending. He was also successful in preparing his team mentally to face Real Madrid, which is the best team in UCL history. As for Ancelotti, he appeared unable to keep up with the strength and speed of Manchester City, and he did not succeed in applying his ideas that depend on the players’ skills and quick counter-attacks, and it was natural for him to lose to Guardiola, who polished his team and made it able to implement his ideas wonderfully.
Manchester City project:
It is clear that Manchester City's project is successful, even if they lose the final this season they will surely win the Champions League in the future. They have smart management, ambition and patience with the coach. They cooperate with coach Guardiola, who has proven himself as one of the best coaches in history, and this is one of the most important reasons for success.
Is it the end of Real Madrid's golden generation?
The great players in Real Madrid who won many championships, Benzema, Modric, Kroos and Carvajal are the last remaining players from the triple UCL generation with Zidane and these players have aged and are unable to continue at their usual level. The fact is that the Real Madrid team needs new players in attack, midfield and fullbacks, and this means that the current stars of the team will sit on the bench next season. These legendary players gave a lot to Real Madrid and made us live unforgettable moments, but everything has an end, and I believe that this match was the end of this legendary generation that may not be repeated.
For me as a Madridista, I am very sad because of this defeat and I couldn't sleep. But Manchester City deserved to win and qualify for the final match, and certainly if they win the cup, it is a well-deserved cup. Congratulations to all Manchester City fans, the respected and wonderful team. Also, I have confidence that Real Madrid will come back stronger, because they are the best club in the world and they don't give up.