Bernardo Silva responds at the most critical time for Manchester City

Bernardo Silva responds at the most critical time for Manchester City

Bernardo Silva stood up when his team needed him the most to score the winner in City’s 1-nil FA Cup semi-final win over Chelsea. It was a moment to savour for Bernardo Silva and Pep Guardiola’s side. For Bernardo, it was a moment of redemption after his penalty miss against Real Madrid on Wednesday evening.

Yesterday’s win by Pep Guardiola’s side wasn’t one built on the free-flowing football associated with the world champions. Given that they had played 120 minutes of intense football against Real Madrid on Wednesday night, they had to rely on their will, character, and determination to overcome Chelsea. The City squad showed those attributes in spades to book their place in this season’s FA Cup final.

READ MORE: City player ratings from a famous 1-nil win over Chelsea at Wembley for Manchester City.

There were other players who were more impactful for Manchester City than Bernardo Silva over the 90 minutes. But when the moment came to win the match City’s inspirational midfielder was there to fire his side into the lead. The outpouring of emotion from Bernardo was obvious as soon as the ball his the back of the net. It was a special moment for he and his team. After the heartbreak of Wednesday, he and his teammates had put that to one side to overcome the odds and clinch a famous victory.

For Bernardo Silva, it was a moment that put to bed any demons from his poor penalty against Real Madrid. His contribution during his time at Manchester City is such that his place in City folklore is well established. The goal he scored yesterday just reaffirmed his standing at the club. He had come in for criticism since his penalty miss against Real Madrid, but he put that to one side to provide the all-important match winning goal yesterday.

Speaking following his team’s win, Bernardo Silva praised his team’s fight and determination to book another trip to Wembley this season. The midfield workhorse said: “I’m very happy, because of another spot in the final. Another chance to win a title for this club. This team deserves it after a disappointing week for all of us. It was good to come here to Wembley and give this chance to our fans to fight for another title. It was very frustrating (losing to Real Madrid on penalties), but this is football. The way the team fought to give this happiness to our fans and the chance for them to come to Wembley again and to fight for another FA Cup, we couldn’t be happier right now.

The mark of a champion player and team is how they respond to setbacks. Manchester City and Bernardo Silva showed that in spades during their famous win over Chelsea at Wembley yesterday. With attention now shifting to their final 6 Premier League games and the chase for a fourth consecutive Premier League crown, the hope is that yesterday’s win can give City the impetus for one final push this season.

Tags Bernardo Silva Chelsea Etihad Stadium FA Cup Jeremy Doku Kevin De Bruyne Manchester City Pep Guardiola Real Madrid UEFA Champions League Wembley