Man City hold off frustrated Atletico to reach semi-finals

MADRID, April 13 (Reuters) – Manchester City produced a disciplined performance to secure a fractious 0-0 draw at Atletico Madrid on Wednesday and reach the Champions League semi-finals 1-0 on aggregate.

Tensions boiled over in the closing stages and Atletico defender Felipe was sent off after receiving a second yellow card before the teams played out 12 minutes of added time.

Scuffles broke out among the players following Felipe’s dismissal for kicking out at Phil Foden and continued after the final whistle as the teams went down the tunnel.

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The English champions were comfortable in the first half, Ilkay Gundogan striking the post with their best chance after a flowing move down the right, but they did not manage another attempt on goalthe rest of the game.

City manager Pep Guardiola dared Atletico to get away from their usual conservative approach and go on the attack.

The visitors were patient, slowing down the pace of the game and running down the clock to the displeasure of Atletico manager Diego Simeone and the vociferous crowd at Metropolitano stadium.

Atletico enjoyed more possession after the interval and threatened to score the goal that would have taken the game into extra time but were unable to break down the City defence despite creating several good chances.

“When Atletico play the way City played today, we are very criticised. Let’s see what people say today,” captain Koke told Movistar Plus.

“I’m proud of my team mates for the effort they have made, nothing to blame the team for. We’ve had our chances, we haven’t taken advantage of them and congratulations to the rival, but Atleti deserved more.”

The City players acknowledged they had not been at their most fluent.

“It wasn’t our best game, that’s for sure,” Rodri told reporters.

“We were tired in the second half because of the calendar, we had a very intense match on the weekend with Liverpool and we were out of legs in the end.”

City, bidding to win European club football’s most prestigious trophy for the first time, will play record 13-times champions Real Madrid in the semi-finals.

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Reporting by Fernando Kallas, Editing by Ed Osmond

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