Manchester City made a huge statement in their Champions League quarter-final tie, defeating Bayern Munich 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium this evening.
The hosts were on top in the early stages and twice came close to grabbing an opener through star striker Erling Braut Haaland.
The Norwegian was inches away from directing the ball in from Yann Sommer’s misjudged clearance, before firing straight at the goalkeeper when set up by Jack Grealish.
City’s pressure told in the 27th minute with a moment of magic. Rodri picked up the ball from Bernardo Silva, twisted onto his weaker left foot, and bent an unstoppable strike into the top corner from 25 yards.
Moments later, they almost doubled their advantage. Sommer punched Kevin De Bruyne’s deflected cross to the feet of Ilkay Gundogan, but the midfielder’s powerful effort was well saved.
Down the other end, Bayern were putting on some pressure but found it difficult to break down a stern City defence.
Their best chance of the first half fell to Jamal Musiala, but his goal-bound shot was blocked by Ruben Dias.
Shortly after the break, the Bavarians created their first clear opening. Musiala slipped the ball through to Leroy Sane, but the winger couldn’t beat former teammate Ederson.
Pep Guardiola’s side soon got themselves back on top and almost grabbed a second. De Bruyne picked out Dias with a cross, who controlled on his chest before seeing his volley turned over the crossbar.
But Sommer was unable to prevent a City second just minutes later. Grealish nicked the ball off Dayot Upamecano and fed the ball into Haaland on the left.
The 22-year-old shaped to shoot but floated a cross to Bernardo Silva at the back post, who headed into the far corner.
And it wasn’t long before the Cityzens capped off an impressive performance with a third goal. John Stones nodded the ball into the path of Haaland, who finished from close range for his 45th goal of the season.
It could have got worse for the visitors had it not been for Sommer in goal. He denied substitute Julian Alvarez with a strong left hand and turned Rodri’s header over the crossbar.
The full-time whistle went, sealing an emphatic victory for Man City. They head to the Allianz Arena in a commanding position as they look to progress to the semi-finals.
Manchester City
Ederson (7/10) – Made one good save from Sane early in the second half. Rarely tested otherwise.
John Stones (9/10) – A complete performance. Let nothing past him, good on the ball, and assisted his side’s third.
Ruben Dias (9/10) – Also brilliant at the back. Made several impressive tackles and blocks.
Manuel Akanji (7/10) – The weakest of City’s backline, but still capable.
Nathan Ake (8/10) – Handled Coman effectively. Made one vital block from De Ligt’s header.
Rodri (9/10) – Lit up the game with a stunning strike in the first half. Controlled things in midfield.
Ilkay Gundogan (8/10) – Comfortable in possession. Unlucky not to score in the first half.
Kevin De Bruyne (7/10) – Far from his best, but still had an impact. Created a few chances.
Bernardo Silva (9/10) *MOTM* – Had the beating of Davies every single time. Grabbed himself a goal.
Erling Haaland (9/10) – Bullied the Bayern defence. Excellent assist for Silva’s goal, before adding another to his ever-growing tally.
Jack Grealish (7/10) – Had some lovely touches and worked hard. Won the ball in the build-up for Silva’s goal.
Substitutes
Julian Alvarez (7/10)
Bayern Munich
Yann Sommer (8/10) – Kept the score down with several brilliant saves. Had a couple of nervy moments with the ball at his feet.
Benjamin Pavard (5/10) – Contributed little at either end. Frustration showed in the second half.
Dayot Upamecano (2/10) – An accident waiting to happen. Responsible for the second goal and could have cost his team further. Lost the ball far too often.
Matthijs de Ligt (5/10) – Had a tough time against Haaland. Came close with a header at 1-0.
Alphonso Davies (3/10) – Couldn’t handle Silva. Poor at the back and offered little going forward.
Joshua Kimmich (5/10) – Shielded the backline fairly well in the first half. Got overran in the second.
Leon Goretzka (5/10) – Was unable to have an impact at either end.
Leroy Sane (6/10) – Bayern’s most threatening player. Tested Ederson on a few occasions but ought to have done better with a chance in the second half.
Jamal Musiala (5/10) – Had a few nice touches but wasn’t decisive enough in the final third. Substituted in the second half.
Kingsley Coman (4/10) – Did very little of note. A quiet evening.
Serge Gnabry (4/10) – Almost anonymous. Well handled by City’s defence.
Substitutes
Sadio Mane (5/10)
Thomas Muller (5/10)
Joao Cancelo (5/10)
