FOR THE SECOND TIME, MANCHESTER CITY WILL PLAY IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL. AFTER SUCCEEDING BORUSSIA DORTMUND IN THE LAST EIGHT WINNING GAMES BACK FROM GERMANY.
With a 2-1 lead in the first leg. As 17-year-old England’s Jude Bellingham slammed the ball into the edge of the box, Man City found themselves needing to chase the tie.
The visitors, armed with a permit, threw everything they could find on the German side. Before Mahrez saw a shot blocked by the bright Bellingham, Kevin de Bruyne made an effort to leave the ballpark.
The most significant development in the City occurred early in the second half. Emre could face a fine for handling the box. And Mahrez went up front and fired his own forward once more.
Phil Foden signed him, and his team won the first leg thanks to a late goal from him. With a batting leg that resulted in a goal by mail for Dortmund.
In the semi-finals, City will face Paris St-Germain. On Tuesday, the French team will face Bayern Munich.
It is City’s first appearance in the semi-finals under current manager Pep Guardiola. During his time as manager of Barcelona, he won the competition twice.
The last time they played in the last four games was in 2015-16. It was when Real Madrid eliminated them. During the previous season, Manuel Pellegrini was in charge.
Dortmund’s chances of competing in the Champions League next season may be harmed as a result of the defeat. They also finished fifth in the Bundesliga. After falling seven points behind Eintracht Frankfurt was in fourth place.
Guardiola The city removed a significant impediment
The city has won the English game under Guardiola, with record-breaking Premier League titles and home cups to their name. Another league title is added, which can be nicely decorated with a few home cups.
However, European fame is fading in the run-up to Wednesday’s second leg. The Spanish manager emphasized the Champions League ambitions that aided his appointment. Admitting he would be considered a failure if he did not bring the team’s Etihad Trophy.
Guardiola’s City has won the English game
The results on Wednesday were critical in removing the psychological barrier to the quarter-finals.
The calmness with which they won the second leg. Alternatively, they fell behind and relied on the process. They eventually got rid of the deceptive opponent. And it elevates them to a much higher level of prominence.
They may not be using a well-known striker in their important games right now. But they have four key players in De Bruyne, Foden, Mahrez, and Bernardo Silva.
These key players have the intelligence, ability, and mobility to pick any side on the continent.
Foden also added to his already impressive resume. The most notable was De Bruyne, who was heavily involved in the game. And he was denied one of the most important goals in Champions League history.
Marwin Hitz had put down his small shotgun after completing a series of challenges and entering the box.
The final four-year tie awaits Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Mauricio Pochettino, and his teammates.
Bellingham shines even when he loses
Dortmund’s spokespersons have spent a lot of time this season disputing rumors about Erling Braut Haaland and Jadon Sancho leaving the club.
Summer fans will undoubtedly be drawn to the talented couple. Especially with Germany going unbeaten in the Champions League next season.
However, based on the evidence of the game, Bellingham could be a real ace in Dortmund’s hand.
His stunning finale in the first episode was simply the title of a brilliant show centered on him. That enabled him to cover all of the stadiums, succeed, and locate his teammates. And do everything he can to avoid being eliminated.
Not satisfied with simply putting the ball in the net on the other side. He demonstrated an equal ability to prevent goals from the other team.
To maintain the lead, he set himself up to block Mahrez’s close-range shot.
He also completely enlightened Haaland, who had put himself in his position. But, late in the game, he found a stray shot to show off his efforts.
In mid-England, Gareth Southgate has plenty of options. However, Bellingham’s exposure to the club’s senior division should strengthen his case for a place in the European Championship.
Dortmund may have a busy summer ahead of them. Unless they have a miraculous finish to their home season.
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