UCL: Semifinal Stage Set As Spain, England Dominates Europe
Written By Omolagba Oluwayemi
Violence mar the Atlético Madrid versus Manchester City game towards the ending as the four semifinalists for the year’s UEFA Champions League are confirmed.
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Spicy towards the end between Atlético Madrid and Manchester City but its appalling that Diego Simeone’s men have one goal attempt in 135 minutes against their quarterfinal rival.
With a 1-0 defeat from the first leg in England, Atlético Madrid would’ve forced the game to extra time or even win as Manchester City were poor tonight but the Madrid side themselves looks worse with just 3 shots on target in the entire 90 minutes playing in front of their fans at the 68,456 Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.
The only interesting moment of the game came towards the end when Felipe was finally sent off for another foul on Foden.
Stefan Savic somehow stayed on the pitch despite an apparent headbutt on Raheem Sterling and then pull on Jack Grealish’s hair as tempers flared while Foden lay injured.
There were nervy moments late on as Atletico pushed hard for the goal despite Felipe’s red card in stoppage time for a second bookable offence.
Ederson was forced into a 102nd minute save from substitute Angel Correa to ensure it is Man City who will play Real Madrid in the semi-final.
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Atletico had been criticised for their shot-shy performance in Manchester but there was more intent from the outset in Madrid, showcasing their trademark aggressive approach.
The supporters booed Pep Guardiola’s name and jeered the taking of a knee. When the game kicked off, Felipe’s brutal challenge on Phil Foden drew blood from his head.
It was rather a war in Spain between Atlético Madrid and Manchester City but thank you God there was no life lost afterall.
With first leg win for Manchester City thanks to Kevin De Bruyne’s goal, the City retained their advantage in front of a boisterous Wanda Metropolitano crowd to progress to the last four.
Meanwhile…
Liverpool remain in the hunt for an historic quadruple after a thrilling draw with Benfica secured a two-legged Champions League semi-final against Villarreal.
Having established a 3-1 lead in Lisbon, Liverpool extended their advantage with Ibrahima Konate’s powerful 21st-minute header from a Kostas Tsimikas corner.
Benfica equalised through Goncalo Ramos’ excellent turn and finish, before Roberto Firmino’s two second-half goals – a tap-in followed by a volley – in front of the Kop looked to have put the Reds in control.
But after Roman Yaremchuk broke through to beat Alisson and make it 3-2 on the night, Darwin Nunez scored a late equaliser.
Nunez was then denied by Alisson as Benfica finished strongly but Liverpool held out to advance 6-4 on aggregate.
They now host Villarreal – the club they beat in the semi-finals of the Europa League in 2016 – on 27 April before travelling to Spain for the second leg on 4 May.
With the semifinals now set; Liverpool vs Villarreal and Real Madrid vs Manchester City are we going to see an all English final or an all Spanish final? We keep our fingers crossed.
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