Wednesday night’s second game at Wanda Metropolitano fell into anarchy as former City defender Stefan Savic followed Jack Grillis into the tunnel and attacked the substitute after the final whistle.
Pep Guardiola was drenched by bottles raining down from the stands as he ran into the tunnel after City’s goalless draw secured a semi-final with Real Madrid.
Atletico center-back Felipe saw red after a tackle on Phil Fontaine that sparked a hand-to-hand battle in a corner of the pitch. Felipe’s hacking left the striker in a pile – then Savic’s attack ended as he dragged the striker back on the pitch before appearing to head Rahim Sterling.
Savic and Grialis had exchanged words during this quarrel – the former pulled the Englishman’s hair internationally – but the hostility escalated in the tunnel. Four local policemen, dressed in riot gear, rushed to the dressing rooms on a shameful night for the Spanish champions.
Marcos Llorente was seen throwing an object in the direction of Aymeric Laporte in the area of the tunnel, while later there appeared to be a physical dispute in a video circulating on the internet and there were reports that they threw objects at members of the opposite camps.
Stefan Savic (second right) provoked embarrassing scenes at the end of Atletico Madrid’s Champions League match against Manchester City, hitting Rahim Sterling (center) with his head
The Montenegrin defender somehow escaped the red card for his actions against Sterling, before pulling the hair of City player Jack Grillis, as the two sides were involved in an argument.
Then there was chaos in the tunnel, with the two sets of players having to separate
Savic (center-right) and Grealis (left) had to separate violently as the hostility continued
¿¿Images from the clashes between Atletico and City after the last whistle in the corridor of Wanda Metropolitano. pic.twitter.com/krp7EKCdl1
– RMC Sport (@RMCsport) April 13, 2022
“I have nothing to say,” said Guardiola. “Do not talk about referees. Or the opponents. Everyone saw the actions, that’s all. I have nothing to say. We have dinner and then prepare for the FA Cup semi-final.
“It is always difficult with these people in this stadium. It’s a big compliment to the players. We gave it our all. We have to live in such situations. We can not expect that we will do everything wonderfully against the champion of Spain. “The opponent was really good.”
City were in control of the process in the first half, but found it difficult to face Atletico after the break. But they held on, holding a fourth straight net in the race during a chaotic ending in the stormy quarterfinals.
“We were under a lot of pressure. They were great in the second half. We forgot to play. Our feet were not fresh enough. “We were in a big, big problem,” Guardiola added.
“We defended everything. Fernandinho was great, he gave us an incredible boost at that moment. We have to adapt when we could not have the ball, the concentration was unintentional. This is the third time in our history. We felt a little pressure. It is an incredible achievement.
We tried to attack but we did not succeed. “I would not have the audacity to criticize this institution.” City’s players were completed by the ridiculousness of Atletico, while Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker came out injured. The yellow card of Joao Cancello means that he loses the first match of the semifinal.
The dust started when Savic tried hard to lift Phil Fontaine (down) from the floor
City players then reacted angrily to Savic, who responded with violence and aggression.
“We know that sometimes they try to make things happen, and we did it very well,” said John Stones.
“It’s not nice to talk and I do not want to dwell on that because on both sides we played incredibly against such an experienced team in what they do, we kept our cool and it is easy to get carried away by things like that.
“We knew it was not easy to come, it was a hostile environment, it was a difficult night all along and how we defended and controlled ourselves on both feet was incredible.”
Guardiola said: “John was brilliant. Imeric too. All. There are many toys on our feet. The trip was demanding and we fell in the second half. We were resilient.
“In the end we were lucky to pass. We deserved to pass. ” Stones praised Fontaine, who was tied after Felipe hit him in the head during the first half.
The center-back said: “Phil was so threatening in both games, a direct impact on the first and how he led us to the pitch tonight, he won yards and free kicks – I think he feels it now.”
Atletico felt that they had done enough to qualify for the last four. “I am proud of each and every one of my teammates,” Koke said. “When you give it your all on the pitch, there is nothing to regret. Its a shame. “We are a little disappointed.”
The Atletico captain added: “UEFA decides the referees. “It’s very difficult to referee such games.”
The Sun also reported that Atletico defender Sime Vrsalico allegedly threw an object at City’s players and staff and then threw his head forward with a spit.
