The tie was finely poised after the 1-1 draw in Madrid last week, but Bernardo‘s brilliant first-half brace had us in command at the interval.
A deflected Manuel Akanji header and late Julian Alvarez strike added the gloss to a remarkable display under the floodlights at the Etihad Stadium, securing a 5-1 aggregate victory over the Spanish giants.
Bernardo, who was deservedly named as the Player of the Match, expressed his delight with the performance and result.
“It’s a beautiful night for us,” he declared. “We knew it would be tough. But to beat this Madrid team 4-0 at home is wonderful. It’s a wonderful feeling to be in the final again. Hopefully this time we can try and win it.
“With our people we’re always very strong. They were amazing once again today. They helped us get momentum to go after Madrid. We know how tough they are. Even in the second half they pushed us and could have scored.
“We were very resilient, very passionate and organised at the same time, I’m so happy with this performance.
“I think my performance in Madrid was not the one I wanted, and I wanted to compensate that. I didn’t feel very good at all after the first game.
“Today I had to do better for my teammates and the fans, and thats what I tried to do. I’m very happy to help them. I’m very good with my head! I’m small but very good with my head.”
The victory sees us book a place in this season’s showpiece final in Istanbul next month alongside Inter.
When quizzed on the Italian giants, Bernardo revealed that he is expecting a tough challenge.
“I watched their game yesterday, and they are very organised,” he said.
“I watched them in the group stage too, they look very strong, organised defensively. They’re quick in the counter attack, set pieces. It’ll be tough but we will try it.”
Pep Guardiola‘s men are still challenging for two other trophies this season, with a third Premier League title in a row on the horizon.
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A victory over Chelsea at the Etihad this Sunday will seal the crown and Bernardo is determined to achieve that incredible feat.
“It’s another trophy that we want to win with our fans again.
“We will try and recover our best we can so we have full gas on the weekend to give another Premier League to our people.”
