Just as it had in the first leg back in February, our high press caused the Spanish champions problems throughout, and Sterling was gifted his 100th goal in Blue when Jesus picked Raphael Varane’s pocket in the box before squaring to the winger within nine minutes.
But the 13-time champions were far from out of the game, and Ederson had to be at his brilliant best to deny a powerful Karim Benzema drive as the clock ticked over the 20-minute mark.
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The Frenchman would not be denied a second time though, heading home on the six yard box from Rodrygo’s right wing cross.
We were undeterred by that setback, and could have regained the lead when Kevin De Bruyne intercepted Courtois’ loose clearance and fed Foden, but his effort on the turn flashed just wide of the left-hand post.
City continued to press forward, with De Bruyne in particular going close before the hour mark, but a timely block from Dani Carvajal prevented the Belgian from putting the game out of sight.
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However, that crucial second came with around 20 minutes to play when Jesus refused to give up on a long ball from Rodrigo, stealing in on Varane’s loose pass back to his goalkeeper and masterfully poking the ball over Courtois.
And it was almost the perfect Etihad sign off for David Silva who, with five minutes to play, curled a delicious free-kick agonisingly over the bar.
Check out the best of the action via the gallery below…
