Although Manchester City might have seen their 10-match winning run come to an end on Wednesday night, the Sky Blues did punch their Champions League semi-final ticket.
Eventually playing out a 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich here, Pep Guardiola’s side were simply looking to finish off the job as they claimed a stunning first-leg 3-0 romp at the Etihad last week.
Although the record-breaking Erling Haaland might have shockingly blazed over from the penalty spot seven minutes before the half-time break, the ex-Borussia Dortmund ace did have time to notch his 12th Champions League strike of the season after producing a clinical finish in the 57th minute.
While German international Joshua Kimmich might have bagged Bayern a consolation strike after converting from the penalty spot in the final minutes, the Bundesliga giants face a major inquiry behind the scenes following a routine European exit in midweek.
Crashing out thanks to a 4-1 aggregate defeat and with many of the Allianz support making their feelings heard at the final whistle, Thomas Tuchel’s men simply couldn’t deal with a Manchester City side who are now dreaming of making Champions League history this season.
On a night when City breezed their way to the semi-finals, we have taken a look at the main talking points following Wednesday’s showdown in Munich.
City are finding top gear at a crucial time
Although Manchester City might still find themselves sat four points adrift of Arsenal and defending their Premier League crown, the Sky Blues have certainly found top gear at a crucial time.
Picking up some perfect momentum over the weekend as they claimed a 3-1 victory at home against relegation scrappers Leicester, Guardiola’s high-flying squad have made it no secret that a maiden Champions League crown is at the top of their agenda this season.
Putting one foot firmly in the semi-finals after breezing their way to a first-leg 3-0 romp at the Etihad last week, the one-time Bayern Munich boss is dreaming of the chance to make major European history in 2023.
Only continuing to shine on either side of March’s international break, the Premier League giants always knew that it would take an almighty collapse for them not to progress on their European adventure here.
While City might be disappointed to have seen their 10-match winning run come to an abrupt end in Munich, Guardiola was quick to praise another professional display.
With Haaland notching his 12th Champions League strike of the campaign here and only continuing to break a string of records by the week, City have only underlined why they’re seen as the standout pick from the final four.
A psychological test against Los Blancos awaits
Although many neutrals might have tipped Guardiola’s superstar squad as the leading contender to get their hands on a first European crown this year, the Sky Blues will know that they face another heavyweight challenge next month.
Watching the Spanish icons eventually breeze past Chelsea thanks to a routine 4-0 aggregate romp on Tuesday night, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have already collected some stellar Premier League scalps in 2023.
Extending on their Champions League adventure last month as they secured a 6-2 aggregate victory against Liverpool, the reigning European champions have no intention of relinquishing their crown this year.
Suffering one of the most remarkable Champions League collapses 11 months ago as they fell at the semi-final hurdle following an infamous 3-1 second-leg defeat at the Bernabeu, there is no doubt that the Sky Blues face a real psychological test in the Spanish capital.
Although City might be looking to book their spot in the final of this year’s FA Cup when they welcome Sheffield United to the Etihad this weekend, Guardiola will already be putting together the perfect plan to help his side pick up some Los Blancos revenge next month.
Tuchel has a real job on his hands in Munich
Blown away at the Etihad last week as they eventually slumped to a deserved 3-0 drumming, Tuchel and his new squad knew that they were in need of a real Champions League miracle on Wednesday night.
While many across Europe might have been stunned during March’s international break as the ex-Chelsea boss came in to replace Julian Nagglesman, Tuchel will be more than aware that he has a potential major rebuild on his hands at the Allianz.
Failing to pick up any momentum last weekend as they were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw at home against Hoffenheim, the German giants also find themselves in a real tussle to defend their Bundesliga crown in 2023.
Shockingly crashing out of the DFP Pokal on April 4th as they suffered an infamous 2-1 defeat at the hands of Freiburg, Bayern have now won just a pair of their previous seven appearances across all competitions.
Knowing that they will face a real backlash following their Champions League exit on Wednesday night, Tuchel should also have a growing headache over his side’s rather glaring defensive issues.
Match Report
Bayern Munich: Sommer, Pavard, Upamecano, De Ligt, Cancelo, Kimmich, Gortzka, Sane, Musiala, Coman, Choupo-Moting
Subs: Mane, Davies, Tel, Muller, Stanisic
Manchester City: Emerson, Akanji, Dias, Ake, Rodri, Stones, Silva, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Grealish, Haaland
Subs: Laporte, Alvarez, Walker
Goals: Manchester City: Haaland (57’) – Bayern Munich: Kimmich (83′ P)
Yellow Cards: Bayern Munich: Pavard, Upamecano, Cancelo, Kimmich, Stanisic – Manchester City: Ederson, Gundogan, Ake, Laporte
Red Cards: Tuchel (Not on pitch)
Referee: Clement Turpin
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