Man City’s defeat at the Etihad created an unforgettable memory for the Cityzens. It was specifically a bad memory for them. The 14th-time champions, Real Madrid showed them the exit after defeating them on penalty shootouts. Pep Guardiola’s side who had been dominant all through the game, got to a penalty shootout and failed.
Man City bowed to the pressure of the Los Blancos in front of their home fans. It was a disappointing result, as certain key players failed at the spot kicks. Whilst the Spanish side in their experience at such moments, nailed theirs.
A key City player, Bernardo Silva who also missed a PK, has been sore ever since that night. The Portugal international player had claimed that his nights had never been the same since that day.
A Recap of Man City’s Exit From the Champions League
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Man City was paired against the Spanish giants in a thrilling quarter-final encounter. The defending champions were deemed favorites due to their run of form and past performances. They went into the first leg stalemating Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. The 2nd Leg already looked like a cakewalk for them.
Last year they did the same thing drawing the Spanish side at the Bernabeu, while crushing them in the 2nd leg in their home. This time was different!
Man City got caught unaware by a Madrid early goal, and since then they struggled to find a response. Their response from Kevin DeBruyne came late in the 2nd half. This was made possible through a mistake from Rudiger. Afterward, they struggled to find a winner, which they never saw.
Penalty shootout became a decider, and Man City saw themselves being pulled apart. Misses from Bernardo Silva and Kovacic hindered them from qualifying.
Bernardo Silva’s Sleepless Night After the Game
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The Portuguese witnessed his penalty being calmly handled by Lunin. He started with a deceptive posture that depicted he was aiming at the sides. But he realized the Madrid Keeper had guessed his intentions right but it was too late. By then he had already kicked the ball into the middle. Lunin stood there waiting for him.
Bernardo Silva since then claimed the loss made his nights and week frustrating for him. He also said that the night after the game came with sleeping challenges. As he found himself unable to sleep well. However, he said the next few days were better.
The Man City star also explained why he went for the middle. He stated that he knew that Keepers mostly dived to the sides in moments of pressure. So he thought putting it in the middle might work out. But somehow Lunin caught the logic.
Lunin claimed he was told that the Portuguese would play it in the middle by Kepa. Kepa during his time at Chelsea had been involved in a penalty shootout against Bernado Silva. The Portuguese did the same thing. Notifying this, Kepa guessed that the City star might make the same decision. They took that risk and it worked out.
Also Read: Real Madrid’s Coach Reacts to Exciting Win
Bernardo Silva Discovers His Rhythm
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After the loss, they prepared themselves for the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley. They faced off against Chelsea. Man City understood irrespective of the Blues position at the table. They were still a force to be wary of.
The game progressed, and it seemed to be a bit difficult for City. But thanks to Bernardo Silva’s last-minute goal. They progressed into the finals. The goal and the winner were confidence boosters for both Bernardo Silva and City respectively. Now the Portuguese can enjoy his nights better.
More Hurdles to Come
Man City will travel to the Amex stadium to visit Brighton in their EPL campaign. A tricky fixture, but they’ll hope they get a crucial win from it. As it stands Liverpool and Arsenal are still lurking behind them. They’ll want to avoid any slip-ups.
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