Manchester City are into the Champions League final, after beating Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate – and they will now face Inter Milan and former striker Edin Dzeko in Istanbul.
City put in a truly dominant performance last night at the Etihad Stadium, winning 4-0 on the night.
It was as though the game against Real one year ago was fuelling City, who were just bang at it from minute one.
Bernardo Silva grabbed two goals in the first-half to set City on their way.
It was an absolutely outstanding display, with Real unable to get anywhere near Pep Guardiola’s side.
They tried to show a bit more in the second-half. But City were still comfortable, despite being a little sloppier on the ball.
Manuel Akanji grabbed City’s third, with Julian Alvarez wrapping it up right at the end for 4-0, and 5-1 on aggregate.
Quite simply, this was City’s best display of the season, given the stakes.
City will now face Inter in the final, and there will be a familiar face in the Nerazzurri’s line up.
Dzeko, who spent four-and-a-half seasons at the Etihad, is set to lead the line for the Italian giants, having started both legs of the semi-final against AC Milan.
Dzeko, now 37, is still doing the business having scored 14 goals in 48 appearances so far this season.
It will be the first time Dzeko has faced City since leaving the club, and City fans will just hope he has an off night in Istanbul.
The star is excited to be coming up against his old club, posting on social media quite quickly after City beat Real last night.
He sent the simple four-word message ‘See you in Istanbul’, before tagging City. He also included a split image; one of him in for Inter, and one of him in his old City colours. Clearly, he still has a great deal of respect for his old club.
It will be brilliant to face Edin Dzeko, but Manchester City must keep Inter star quiet
Dzeko was a brilliant player for the club and it’s nice that City fans will get to see him in action against the current side.
But hopefully, he will not be influencing that final in Istanbul.
The centre-backs will need to be on their game.
Ruben Dias will relish the physical battle against the Bosnian no doubt.
But hopefully, City will dominate the ball that much that Dzeko won’t even be that involved.
