The big winners from Manchester City's bruising progress to the Champions League semi-finals could ultimately prove to be their title rivals Liverpool.
As City's players woke in Madrid before flying to London for Saturday's FA Cup semi-final with Liverpool, it was hard to escape the feeling Diego Simeone's belligerent Atletico side had played a significant role in the destiny of both the Premier League title and FA Cup. City boss Pep Guardiola admitted he was left with “big problems” as he counted the cost of Atletico's uncompromising approach, with injuries to star man Kevin De Bruyne and defender Kyle Walker, and Joao Cancelo suspended from the semi-final first leg against Real Madrid.
Guardiola knew he and his players would face a hostile welcome and a huge test of their collective mental and physical resolve against Simeone's cynical and conniving Spanish champions. But it is doubtful the City boss could have foreseen the potential toll the snarling, 102-minute battle at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium would take on his squad in their pursuit of the Treble.
