Henry and Richards can't contain themselves
At full time, the world's media took their place on the touchline of the Etihad Stadium to dissect a result that could represent the changing of the guard when it comes to which club is the dominant force in Europe. Some, like CBS Sports, saw former Manchester City defender Micah Richards effectively abandon his role as pundit and take up the role of cheerleader as he embraced Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Kyle Walker and Kevin De Bruyne like a giddy youngster.
Colleagues Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher also spoke to them, with Henry in particular interrupting Grealish to tell Walker he had been 'immense' in his battle with Vinicius Jr. On BT Sport, ex-Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand admired City for the world-class side they are, disclosing his pre-match text messages with Pep Guardiola and putting his club allegiances aside to respect the Blues' brilliant performance.
However, a few metres away, former United defender Patrice Evra wasn't as diplomatic as he could be seen arguing with members of City's backroom staff, clearly unhappy at City's victory. It was one negative moment on a pitch that had so many celebrations as full time.
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Guardiola's gesture and Khaldoon's celebrations
At full time, as Blue Moon and other City anthems played at the Etihad, Pep Guardiola made is way around the entire City squad in the centre circle to give a big hug, starting with those who played on Wednesday and then extending to the wider squad. The entire playing and backroom staff gathered to take in the occasion, with Guardiola keen to ensure the celebrations for reaching the final included everyone.
Later, after Kyle Walker spoke to BT Sport, chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak was in the technical area and made sure to give his defender a hug as the positive feelings spread to the very top of the club.
Fans rise to applaud Walker
Kyle Walker didn't want to become a meme following his battle with Vinicius Jr last week, as well as backing himself against any player in the world. With two of the fastest players around going head to head, Vinicius had few chances to test his pace against Walker such was City's total first-half dominance - aside from one attack that looked dangerous.
As Vinicius knocked the ball around Walker, it looked as though the Brazilian would get it again and have a shot. But Walker put on the after-burners and calmly stopped the ball, turned, and played his way out of danger. It was a bit of defensive play that earned a standing ovation from City fans and kept Real under pressure in their own half.
Up for the occasion
City encouraged fans to get to the main entrance early to welcome the players, and when the supporters did so, they were greeted with a show of pyrotechnics and fire for the Champions League semi-final. As fans let off smoke flares to make the air Blue, fireworks went off above the stand, and the players entered the stadium with fireballs rising beside them.
And for the moment where City and Real Madrid walked out, every supporter had a blue or white flag on their seat to wave before kick-off, creating quite the spectacle. As the players entered the pitch, streamers were released from each stand, creating even more blue and white. Pep Guardiola had called for the supporters to get behind the side, and with the help of the club, the atmosphere was different to other big games at the Etihad.
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