A 1-0 slim aggregate win over Atletico Madrid means that Man City are through to Championship semi-final, but their midfielder John Stones is admitting that the quarter finals encounter was a difficult one.
According to him, it was not just about the toughness of the opponents, the environment too was hostile.
Atletico Madrid started strongly in Madrid in the reverse of their defensive display in Manchester.
But the only first-half chance fell to Manchester City’s Ilkay Gündoğan, who stroked a shot off the post.
Manchester City were pinned back in a feisty second period, but Antoine Griezmann and Rodrigo De Paul fired just wide.
“We had so much desire and hunger in order to achieve what we’ve done so far in this competition and now we can be proud of what we tried to achieve here,” said Atletico midfielder Koke.
“But we couldn’t quite reach the semi-finals.”
While defender Felipe was sent off in an injury-time brawl, there was still one more chance.
DPA/NAN reports that Ángel Correa struck straight at Manchester City keeper Ederson which ended Atletico Madrid’s hopes of a semi-final derby with Madrid rivals Real Madrid.
They had eliminated holders Chelsea in the last eight on Tuesday.
“We knew it was not an easy place to come, it is a hostile environment, it was a difficult night all round and how we defended and controlled ourselves over the two legs was incredible,” Manchester City defender John Stones said
