Man City vs. Bayern Munich Highlights of the 3-0 victory: goals from Rodri, Bernardo, and Haaland

Man City vs. Bayern Munich Highlights: Manchester City dominated Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie, securing an impressive 3-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium.

The home team took the lead through Rodri’s long-range curling shot in the first half before Bernardo Silva’s header doubled their advantage after the break. Although Leroy Sane posed a threat to Bayern, City’s defense held strong.

Erling Haaland, who had failed to secure a win in his previous seven games against Bayern with Borussia Dortmund, extended City’s lead with a superb volley. This goal exposed Bayern’s defensive weaknesses, particularly Dayot Upamecano’s struggles.

City could not add a fourth, but their commanding performance confirms their position as strong contenders for the Champions League trophy. They will be confident of progressing to the semi-finals following this impressive victory.

Player ratings

Man City: Ederson (8); Akanji (7), Dias (9), Ake (8); Stones (7), Rodri (8); Bernardo (8), De Bruyne (8), Gundogan (7), Grealish (8), Haaland (7)
Subs: Alvarez (7)
Bayern Munich: Sommer (7); Pavard (5), De Ligt (6), Upamecano (4), Davies (6); Goretzka (7), Kimmich (8); Sane (7), Musiala (4), Coman (6); Gnabry (5)
Subs: Mane (6), Cancelo (n/a), Mueller (n/a)
Player of the match: Ruben Dias (Manchester City)

How Man City prevailed that evening

Despite blustery and rainy conditions at the stadium, Jack Grealish provided a lift for the crowd with a purposeful run early in the game. However, Erling Haaland missed two early chances with his left foot.

The match took a turn in City’s favor with two pivotal moments in the first half. Ruben Dias made a sensational block to prevent Jamal Musiala’s low shot from finding the back of the net, and City quickly responded with a goal.

Although Musiala could have done more to stop Rodri’s left-footed shot, the ball curled beautifully into the top corner of the net, leaving Yann Sommer helpless.

Notably, Guardiola had left the Spain international out of the starting lineup in the 2021 Champions League final defeat to Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea. However, Rodri’s selection in this match was less surprising, and it was Tuchel who struggled to find solutions as City dominated the game.

Ederson was locked in a personal battle with Sane early in the second half, denying the Bayern Munich player three times from distance. However, Upamecano’s error allowed City to double their advantage, which proved significant.

Grealish dispossessed Upamecano and flicked the ball through to Haaland, who picked out Silva with a superb pass. Despite Sommer getting a hand to Silva’s powerful header, he couldn’t keep it out.

Upamecano’s error for the third goal was less obvious but equally damaging, as Haaland had the freedom of the box to cushion Stones’ header and score his 45th goal of the season.

With such a dominant performance in front of their own fans, Haaland and his team may not need another goal to secure the win in Munich. While there is still work to be done, Manchester City’s hopes of a treble are looking increasingly likely.

Champions League semi-final draw – reminder…

First legs on May 9 or May 10, the second legs on May 16 or May 17
AC Milan or Napoli vs Benfica or Inter Milan
Real Madrid or Chelsea vs Manchester City or Bayern Munich

Pep: I’ve been devastated emotionally!

Guardiola was asked about his thoughts on the “comfortable” win, but he rejected the notion, stating that he was emotionally destroyed and that the game was demanding. He acknowledged that for the majority of the match, they were evenly matched, and the opposition was better at times.

He stated that they made adjustments after halftime, which helped them gain an advantage. He believes that the win was incredible, but they must perform better in Munich to avoid suffering. He emphasized that it takes two top games, not one, to defeat top teams.

Guardiola also revealed that he has been to Munich many times and is aware of the challenges that await them. He is confident that his team knows what they need to do to succeed, but it will require a huge personality, clinical finishing, and a strong defense.

He acknowledged that playing in their stadium gives them an advantage, but it is the same for Munich. He believes that they have the momentum and a special team this season, but they must score goals and try to win the game. Otherwise, it will be challenging.

What’s next?

Manchester City’s next match is against Leicester City in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. The match will be broadcasted live on Sky Sports, and it kicks off at 5.30 pm. The second leg against Bayern Munich will take place on Wednesday, April 19 at 8 pm.

On Saturday, Bayern Munich will host Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga with the match kicking off at 2.30 pm.