Champions League: Man City holds off frustrated Atletico Madrid to reach semifinals

City, bidding to win European club football's most prestigious trophy for the first time, will play the record 13-times champion Real Madrid in the semifinals.

Joao Cancelo, Riyad Mahrez, John Stones and Nathan Ake of Manchester City celebrate with teammates after the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg Two match between Atletico Madrid and Manchester City at Wanda Metropolitano.

Manchester City produced a disciplined performance to secure a fractious 0-0 draw at Atletico Madrid on Wednesday and reach the Champions League semifinals 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.

The English champion was comfortable in the first half, Ilkay Gundogan striking the post with its best chance after a flowing move down the right, but it did not manage another goal attempt the rest of the game.

AS IT HAPPENED |

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

The visitor was 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 was 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.

READ |

"I'm proud of my teammates 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 the record 13-times champion Real Madrid in the semifinals.