Bernardo Silva reflects on ‘special night’ as Manchester City beat Sporting Lisbon 5-0

The Portuguese midfielder was among the goals as City raced to a first-leg advantage.
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Bernardo Silva has described Manchester City’s 5-0 win over Sporting Lisbon as a  ‘special night’, with the midfielder netting twice in the victory.

The No.20 put in a magnificent display and also provided an assist as the Premier League champions put in a dominant display in the Champions League last-16 first leg.

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Silva, who grew up supporting Sporting’s rivals Benfica, said it was a momentous occasion to net a brace upon returning to his home city.

Silva enjoyed his return to Portugal. Credit: Getty.Silva enjoyed his return to Portugal. Credit: Getty.
Silva enjoyed his return to Portugal. Credit: Getty.

“It was a special night for me,” he told City’s club media after the 5-0 victory. “I came to play at my home city, the team winning 5-0, scoring two goals and having a good advantage ahead of the second leg, of course it’s a special night.

“I played for 12 years at Benfica academy. I’m a Benfica fan, so it’s always special to win here at the Jose Alvalade. We are very happy with this win and we want to face the second leg with the same attitude.

“I’m happy with the score and to go to the second leg with the advantage of five goals,” he added.

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“Honestly, we weren’t expecting it, because we know Sporting is a side that defend well, they are good on the counter-attack. Even if the score was 4-0 at half-time, they also had some chances.

“I think we were very clinical today in front of the goal. All of the chances we created, we took advantage of them. I’m very happy about my performance and for the team’s win.”

Manchester City were 4-0 up at half-time in Lisbon. Credit: Getty.Manchester City were 4-0 up at half-time in Lisbon. Credit: Getty.
Manchester City were 4-0 up at half-time in Lisbon. Credit: Getty.

Super Silva & Sterling

Silva scored two on Tuesday night, with the second ensuring the Sky Blues went in at half-time with a 4-0 lead.

However, it was his first that was perhaps the pick of the bunch, when Silva smashed in a half volley on 17 minutes which he connected with perfectly while running onto the bouncing ball in the box.

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Not to be outdone, Raheem Sterling netted a beauty himself in second period, and he curled a brilliant effort from the edge of the area beyond Sporting keeper Antonio Adan.

Asked about the two sublime strikes, Silva said: “Both goals were great. I wasn’t expecting to kick the ball that way, but it was an excellent goal.

“Raheem’s goal was also incredible. I’m very happy for both him and me for helping the team to get that good advantage ahead of the second leg.”

Aiming for European glory

City’s win in Portugal means they’ll almost certainly make the quarter-finals of the Champions League and are favourites to win the competition this season.

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Pep Guardiola’s side were beaten finalists last term and it remains the only tournament the Catalan has not won at the Etihad.

But Silva is hoping to change that come the end of May. “It’s a competition we want to win,” he said. “The group is in a very good moment, we are working really hard and we have shown we are at a higher level than even last season.

“We want to win all the competitions we are involved in, knowing that we are facing very strong opponents. In the Champions League we are playing against not only the best teams in England, but also the best teams in other countries too. Once again, we are going to try to reach as far as possible and try to win the competition.

“We know it is a special competition, it’s a very difficult competition. We will try like every season. Last season, we reached the final. Unfortunately, we didn’t win, but this season we will try again.”