After a gruelling and demanding 120 minutes plus penalties in midweek against Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola‘s men picked themselves back up for another crucial encounter at Wembley Stadium.
Chelsea had the better chances, coming close on multiple occasions through Nicolas Jackson, but Bernardo struck the winner after 84 minutes, netting at the back post from Kevin De Bruyne‘s low cross.
Bernardo, who also scored both goals in our quarter-final victory, was delighted with the win and made special mention to the team’s ability to react to setbacks.
“Yeah, very happy after a very frustrating week for all of us and for me personally,” he said after the game. “The good thing is in football, if you play for City you play every three days. So after two or three days you have a chance for a bit of revenge and to put things right.
“Today we tried to do that even though we were very tired. We’re happy with another final and another chance to win a trophy.
“We’ve done it throughout the years many times. The way this team reacts to disappointments and defeats is always in the best way. Today again the team showed a lot of character.
“It’s the usual De Bruyne movement between centre-back and full back. Jeremy [Doku] found the right timing to put the ball there.
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“Then you try to put numbers in the box to increase your chances of scoring. I was lucky that the ball dropped there. I’m happy with the goal.”
The victory keeps us in the hunt for defending our FA Cup crown, with Manchester United and Coventry City going head to head tomorrow.
When asked if the team have the hunger and desire to retain their crown, Bernardo said:
“Of course. But it’s going to be tough,” he declared. “Because between Coventry and Man United it’s going to be a very good game.
“And a final is a final. We’re very happy that we’re coming back to Wembley.”
