Champions League: Manchester City defeated Bayern and Inter triumphed over Benfica

In a highly anticipated clash between two European football giants, Manchester

City emerged victorious over Bayern Munich in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals at the Etihad Stadium. The English side showed their class with a dominant performance that saw them win 3-0 and take a significant lead in the two-legged tie.

Manchester City took control of the match from the outset, and their persistence paid off in the 27th minute when Rodri scored an outstanding goal. The Spanish midfielder sent a left-footed shot looping into the top corner, leaving Bayern goalkeeper Yann Sommer with no chance of making a save. The home crowd erupted in celebration as City took the lead.

Bayern Munich tried to respond and create opportunities of their own, but they struggled to get past City's defence. Meanwhile, Manchester City continued to press forward, and with 20 minutes remaining in the game, they doubled their lead. Erling Haaland, who had been a constant threat all game, sent in a perfectly placed cross that Bernardo Silva headed into the back of the net with precision.

City were not done yet, and six minutes later, Haaland added a third goal for the home team. John Stones delivered a brilliant headed pass that Haaland latched onto before slipping a cool finish past Bayern's goalkeeper to give City an even more commanding lead.

Bayern Munich did have some chances of their own, most notably when Leroy Sane, a former City forward, forced a fantastic save from City's goalkeeper Ederson early in the second half. However, they were unable to capitalize on their chances, and the game ended 3-0 in favour of Manchester City.

The result puts Manchester City in an excellent position to advance to the semi-finals of the Champions League, while Bayern Munich faces a difficult task to turn the tie around in the second leg. The German side, now under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel, will need to produce a memorable performance at the Allianz Arena to stand any chance of progressing. The second leg will take place on April 19th at 8 PM WAT, and it promises to be an exciting encounter between two of Europe's best teams.

Inter Milan Celebrating After Defeating Benfica

Inter Milan seized a golden opportunity to progress to the semifinals of the Champions League at the expense of Benfica, thanks to a late penalty from their talismanic striker, Romelu Lukaku. The first leg of the quarterfinals, held at Lisbon, saw Nicolo Barella scoring a crucial goal for the Italian side with a downward header.

 

Despite taking the lead, Inter found it hard to control the game as Benfica turned to their defensive tactics in front of their home crowd. Andre Onana, the Cameroon goalkeeper, made a vital save to deny Rafa Silva from equalizing for Benfica in the first half, while Inter's Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries made a critical close-range save to keep the Italian side ahead.

 

Inter had to work hard to find the winner, but eventually sealed the victory in the 82nd minute when Lukaku, who was on loan from Chelsea at the time, converted a penalty after Joao Mario, a former Inter player, handled the ball inside the box. Referee Michael Oliver used the pitchside monitor to confirm the incident, and replays showed the ball hit the side of Mario's head before striking his hand.

 

The win gives Inter a significant advantage heading into the second leg, which will be held in front of their fans on April 19th at 8 PM WAT. Manager Simone Inzaghi will be optimistic that his side can finish the job and book their place in the semifinals of Europe's premier club competition.