Manchester City reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, progressing 4-1 on aggregate to set up a mouth watering two-legged tie against holders Real Madrid.
The hosts started with Cameroon International Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting in attack, with former City winger Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman on the flanks. For Manchester City, Erling Haaland featured up-front while Jack Grealish and Bernado Silva were on the wings.
Bayern started the stronger of the two sides as they created several chances through Coman, but couldn’t convert. Then in the 37th minute, Manchester City were awarded a penalty after a hand ball by Bayern defender Dayot Upamecano in the box. Striker Haaland stepped up for the spot kick, but skied his effort wide.
The scores remained 0-0 by halftime with Bayern Munich dominating in possession and shots on target as City stood firm. The visitors were the happier of the two sides, 45 minutes away from another semi-final appearance in the UEFA Champions League.
Norwegian Haaland then made amends for the penalty miss in the first half, bamboozling defender Upamecano before firing a rocket into the net beyond the reach of Bayern Munich goalkeeper Yann Sommer. It was Haaland’s 48th goal of the season in all competitions for Manchester City.
Bayern always had a mountain to climb after losing 3-0 in the first leg, but going 4-0 behind all but sealed progression for Manchester City.
However, the Germans had a bit of luck when a penalty was awarded to Bayern after the ball struck the hand of Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji in the box. Midfielder Joshua Kimmich stepped up and levelled the scores from the spot kick in the 83rd minute.
The goal would go on to be a consolation of Bayern Munich, as Manchester City held on to close out a thrilling match that finished in a 1-1 draw, at the Allianz Arena.
Manchester City’s 4-1 aggregate win that now moves the Premier League champions a step closer to an elusive first title in the UEFA Champions League.
Man City get the job done in Munich! 👏#UCL pic.twitter.com/X03tuUzuNv
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 19, 2023
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City will now play a mammoth two-legged tie against holders Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the competition.
Inter Milan played out a 3-3 draw with Benfica, with the Italian side advancing to the semi-finals after winning 5-3 0n aggregate. They will face city rivals AC Milan in the famous Milan derby for a chance to progress to the finals.
Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League results
Bayern Munich 1-1 Manchester City (1-4)
Inter 3-3 Benfica (5-3).
Semi-finals set! ✅
Pick the winners to score points and build your bracket…#UCL
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 19, 2023
