Manchester City were on their knees from the beginning of this semi-final against Chelsea yet rose to the occasion yet again to keep their hopes of a domestic Double alive. Every push through the pain, every bit of lactic acid and every bit of defensive resolve proved worth it in the end as Bernardo Silva scored a late goal to book City's place in their second final in as many years.
Pep Guardiola had his head in his hands at full-time, in disbelief at just how his side had managed to win it.
"I'm really tired now," were Kevin De Bruyne's first words on the pitch in his interview. But the coach and players were ultimately vindicated for pushing through the pain barrier and showing their intent to defend their trophy.
The difference in cost of the starting XIs amounted to about £1million, whereas the two days of extra rest for Chelsea gave them the advantage. As well as City having to deal with the emotional fallout of their Champions League fallout, it was a physically crushing 120 minutes that both De Bruyne and Manu Akanji had been unable to complete.
It's not that Guardiola doesn't listen to his medical team, but he does not want tiredness used as an excuse by any of his players. There were plenty of fans who would have made more changes from the Real Madrid game in order to concentrate on having the best XI as fit as possible for the Premier League match at Brighton on Thursday, yet that is not the Guardiola way. The lineup may even have been stronger for going out of the Champions League, knowing that there are fewer games left this season.
Either way, it was a statement of intent that De Bruyne, Akanji and Kyle Walker started again after their recent issues. City's Treble hopes may be over but their pursuit of a Double would not die wondering.
Bu hikaye MEN on Sunday dergisinin April 21, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye MEN on Sunday dergisinin April 21, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Ineos 'always tell me' they want me to stay on, claims boss
ERIK ten Hag claimed Ineos bosses have told him more than once that they want him to remain as Manchester United manager despite overseeing an eighth-place finish in the Premier League.
'This is what I do'-Erik comes out fighting
ERIK ten Hag came out fighting after steering Manchester United to an FA Cup final victory and told his Ineos bosses that if they don't want him he will go and win trophies with another club.
It's Double trouble as City fall at final hurdle
Lacklustre Blues fail in bid for history
Fans silenced as City get it wrong with gameplan against United
IT'S normally towards the end of a game, with an insurmountable lead, before the Poznan comes out among City fans. It happened before kick-off against United, such was the confidence among the Blues contingent at Wembley.
Salford sign up for a Marsters class in 2025!
SALFORD have boosted their squad for next season by signing Esan Marsters from Huddersfield Giants.
Davies century puts Lancs on back foot
AN unbeaten century from Warwickshire skipper Alex Davies helped his side reach 284 all out and a first innings lead of 218 against Lancashire on the second day of this Vitality County Championship Division One game at Emirates Old Trafford.
Mayors seek added strength with pact
AT the huge UKREiiF property conference at Leeds's Royal Armouries, the sunscreen was traded in for umbrellas on Wednesday as delegates tried to stay out of a day-long deluge.
Shoplifting mum found dead days after being jailed
Inquest hears how failure to provide care' directly contributed to death
'Where is housing for people like me?'
Exasperation at lack of progress on homelessness
'Historic gem' goes up for sale
Manchester's oldest building on the market with potential as pub, hotel or restaurant