Real Madrid have booked their spot in the 2016 Champions League final courtesy of a 1-0 win over Manchester City in the second leg of their semi-final on Wednesday.
The two teams played out a goalless draw in the first leg at the Etihad last week, but an own-goal from Fernando in the 20th minute was enough to send 10-time winners, Real Madrid, into the Milan final, where they will meet rivals, Atletico Madrid.
Real Madrid were in control as the match settled and they had the lead in the 20th minute when Gareth Bale found the top corner with a right-footed effort after Carvajal had slid a super pass behind the away side’s defence.
The Welshman celebrated as if he had scored his first Champions League goal of the season, but UEFA ultimately credited the effort to Fernando, who in attempting to block Bale’s effort, had directed the ball over Hart.
Real Madrid had the ball in the back of the net for a second time in the 36th minute, but Sergio Ramos’s close-range effort was called offside after a wonderful free-kick delivery from Toni Kroos.
Man City’s best chance of the first period came in the 44th minute when De Bruyne fed a super pass into Fernandinho, but the Brazilian’s powerful strike hit the outside of the post as Real Madrid entered the break with a one-goal lead.
Luka Modric should have sent the home side 2-0 ahead in the 52nd minute after beating the offside trap to meet a pass from Bale, but Hart was out to make an excellent save and keep the visitors in the semi-final.
Pellegrini introduced both Kelechi Iheanacho and Raheem Sterling in a bid to threaten Real Madrid’s back four, but Ramos and Pepe were both excellent at the back and managed to keep Keylor Navas extremely quiet between the sticks.
Aguero released a powerful strike in the 89th minute as Man City finally had a meaningful effort, but the ball kissed the top of the netting and Real Madrid, who will take on capital rivals Atletico in a repeat of the 2014 Champions League final, closed out the four minutes of stoppage time to claim the win.
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