Champions League: Manchester City ease into semi-final, Inter set up Milan showdown
Manchester City eased into the Champions League semi-final after securing a 4-1 aggregate win over Bayern Munich, while Inter saw off Benfica with a 5-3 aggregate win on Wednesday (April 19).
Manchester City, who came close to winning the European crown in 2020-21 but fell short in the final, played out a 1-1 draw with Bayern in the second leg of the quarter-final, having a 3-0 advantage in the first leg.
City goal-scoring machine Erling Haaland missed a first-half penalty but was quick to make amends as he drilled his 48th goal in all competitions in the 57th minute. Bayern fought back with Joshua Kimmich’s penalty in the 83rd minute giving the hosts something to cheer for.
Manchester City will next take on Real Madrid, who are hunting for a 15th title, in the Champions League semi-final. The draw with Bayern helped City to play out their 15th consecutive game without a defeat in all competitions. It was also the 10th team that Pep Guardiola reached the semi-final as a coach.
Bayern got off to a strong start against City, with Kingsley Coman keeping the visiting defenders at bay. Bayern created a chance in the 17th minute, but Leroy Sane dragged his shot wide. Dayot Upamecano was penalised for a handball and Haaland smelled a chance. However, the City striker sent the ball high over the bar.
In the second-half, Haaland shook off the embarrassment as he beat goalkeeper Yann Sommer after combining well with Kevin De Bruyne.
MILAN SHOWDOWN
Inter played out a 3-3 draw with Benfica to set up the semi-final against AC Milan. The Milan showdown has guaranteed that either of the two will become the first Italian team to reach the Champions League final for the first time in six years. Juventus finished as runners-up during the 2016-17 tournament.
Inter and AC Milan have met twice in the Champions League knockout stages, the 2002-03 semi-final and 2004-05 quarter-final with AC Milan winning both ties. The winner will meet either Manchester City or Real Madrid in the final.
For Inter, it will be their first semi-final appearance after winning the European Cup for the third time in 2010. Inter, who had a 2-0 advantage against Benfica in the first leg, were never in danger against Benfica as they scored in each of their three shots on target in the second leg.
Inter were quick to take a lead in the 13th minute when defender Nicolas Otamendi failed to control a loose ball near his own area. Nicolo Barella unleashed a left-foot strike into the top corner of the net. However, Benfica levelled it as Fredik Aursnes leapt high to head a cross from Rafa Silva into the roof of the net.
After resumption, Inter got a two-goal lead as Martinez and substitute Joaquin Correa scored from close-range. Benfica refused to bow down without giving a fight and Antonio Silva and substitute Petar Musa scored late goals to satisfy their pride with a draw.