Manchester City reach semi-finals after bruising goalless draw away at ten-man Atletico Madrid

Manchester City are through to the semi-finals of the Champions League, having held Atletico Madrid to a goalless draw at the Wanda Metropolitano. Having come into the game with a 1-0 deficit from the first leg at the Etihad, Atleti knew they couldn’t simply sit deep and look to hurt their opponents on the counter as they did against Manchester United at Old Trafford last month.

They came flying out of the blocks, pressing hard and threatening to score when Joao Felix got behind on the right and was inches away from finding Thomas Lemar as he charged into the area. Ad/> With a hostile home crowd whistling City’s every touch, Atleti produced a series of fiesty challenges which culminated with Felipe leaving Phil Foden crumpled on the turf after a brutal aerial duel.

He was lucky to avoid a booking – his stray elbow left Foden bleeding from the head and bandaged up for the rest of the game – with City’s anger only compounded when he was cautioned not long afterwards for smashing into the back of Kevin De Bruyne. Champions League'It's the mouth that kills the fish' — Simeone silent in face of Guardiola barbs13 HOURS AGO Despite their opponents’ naked aggression, City gradually began to assert themselves.

De Bruyne saw a wicked shot blocked by Reinildo, before some sharp interplay between Riyad Mahrez, Kyle Walker and Foden ended with the latter laying off to Ilkay Gundogan who, striking the ball low and hard, hit the base of the post. Champions League group standings Champions League fixtures / results Champions League top scorers Geoffrey Kondogbia gave Ederson a scare with a deflected effort as the first half wore on but, come half time, City were in control.