WATCH | Guardiola salutes 'special' Man City after Real rout seals final berth

Pep Guardiola said his "special" Manchester City stars had proved a point after their 4-0 rout of Real Madrid booked a Champions League final showdown with Inter Milan.

Bernardo Silva scored City's first two goals at the Etihad Stadium before Manuel Akanji and Julian Alvarez netted to cap a swaggering display in the semi-final second leg.

It was a cathartic victory for Guardiola's men after they were beaten by Real in last season's semi-finals.

On that occasion, City conceded two late goals before losing in extra-time, leading to claims Guardiola's players lacked character.

The City boss believes this ruthless demolition of holders Real should silence any remaining doubters.

"I had the feeling we had one year of pain in our stomach. What happened last season, today went out," he said.

"It was so painful last season, when people said these players lacked character and in one year we've shown again how special this group of players is.

"I say congratulations to all our organisation, our chairman, our owner, until the last person because they work with a real purpose and we are there!"

City's 5-1 aggregate victory kept the Premier League leaders on course for a remarkable season.

They can win the title with a victory against Chelsea on Sunday, face Manchester United in the FA Cup final on 3 June and head to Istanbul to play Inter as they bid to lift the Champions League for the first time.

"When you reach the Champions League final, you have to celebrate but unfortunately we won't have time because on Sunday we have the chance to win the Premier League," Guardiola said.

"A final against an Italian team is not the best gift, honestly. They are competitive. This victory will get a lot of compliments but we have time to prepare