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Published on 2024-03-01 15:30:26
In last season’s UEFA Champions League semi-final second-leg, Manchester City’s star defensive midfielder and centre-back, John Stones, shared how he and his teammates dominated the middle of the park against Real Madrid. This match secured Manchester City a spot in the UEFA Champions League final for the second time in the club’s history, with a memorable 4-0 victory over Real Madrid.
With a 1-1 draw in the first leg, Manchester City’s impressive performance in the second-leg saw them win 5-1 on aggregate, with goals from Manuel Akanji, Julian Alvarez, and Bernardo Silva’s brace. This victory set up a final contest with Inter in Istanbul.
In an interview with the official Manchester City podcast, John Stones revealed how Real Madrid’s setup allowed City to take control of the game through the midfield partnership of Rodri and himself. Stones explained how the space created by Real Madrid’s marking of Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva allowed him and Rodri to penetrate the 18-yard box effectively.
Stones emphasized the importance of patience and creating space for their key players to shine. He recognized his role in creating opportunities for his teammates with his movement and acknowledged the superior quality of players like De Bruyne in the final third.
Manchester City went on to secure a historic Treble triumph, winning the Premier League title, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League. Rodri’s second-half goal in the final against Inter sealed the club’s unprecedented success, becoming only the second Manchester-based team to achieve such a feat. Pep Guardiola’s leadership and the team’s collective efforts ensured a memorable season for Manchester City fans worldwide.
Read Original article on City Xtra
