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Manchester City's chances of coming back to Wembley were never disappointing after their 9-0 first-leg win, but Pep Guardiola was relieved. His players came out unscathed as the Burton Albion pitch froze under sub-zero temperatures.
Sergio Agüero's goal in the first half was enough to win the match, on a night when Nigel Clough's team in League One was boasting, but the City manager was just as happy that its mix of expensive players and young hopefuls does not cause any serious injury a treacherous surface. "The match was very dangerous because the pitch was very slippery," Guardiola said. "But no injuries, it's so important. We appreciate the moment because we are in the final. We know at Wembley, as we [discovered in beating Arsenal 3-0] last season, it's pretty special. It's good to play a final at Wembley. "
City may have completed one of the most predictable processions to the final, but in many ways it was like Burton's night. The Clough players have highlighted the 55 bars that separate them from the holders of the Carabao Cup, their heads up, producing an exceptional display. If only that had been the first step.
Mind you City, recording its seventh straight win, could afford to play in itself and confirms its place in the final on February 24 against the winners of Thursday's semifinal between Chelsea and Tottenham.
Kevin De Bruyne, who played in midfield, took a little more than an hour to return from injury and Benjamin Mendy played his first half hour since his knee surgery in November. So, even if rarely such a football opportunity held so little tension, everyone came out winner.
Guardiola, after meeting Clough's dog, Bobbie, praised Burton. "They were intense and aggressive and they did not give up," he said. "After 9-0, they could have played with a lack of desire, but it was completely the opposite. It's an amazing feat to reach the semifinals, so I congratulate them. "
While City continues to fight for top honors on all four fronts, Burton, 13th in the third tier, will entertain Bradford City on Saturday. But what a race it was for them, their best in a senior cup competition, defeating Aston Villa, Burnley and Middlesbrough. "And Shrewsbury Town was tough," Clough said proudly.
"We made the city uncomfortable tonight. We caused them more problems than some Premier League teams. All right, they had two or three young players. But they have such quality. It's such a good experience for our players to be on the same field as they are. I thought that they could bring [another] young player on [when De Bruyne and Agüero went off] and they're just bringing in another 50-million-pound player. "
It was not quite the most important match in Burton's history: winning a promotion in the Football League 10 years ago was already considerable, and registering Manchester United in a scoreless draw in the FA Cup , a major club in 2006 was a major event. achievement – but the culmination of their incredible run remained one night to savor.
City had lined up a weakened team in the EFL trophy defeat at Sunderland so Eric Garcia, Philippe Sandler, Ian Carlo Poveda and Felix Nmecha could play the game. Riyad Mahrez, excluded from the 18 City players after surpbading the 100 goals mark this season for the dismantling of Huddersfield Town on Sunday, has approached twice before that, receiving the decisive pbad from De Bruyne. Aguero, who scores his 15th goal of the season.
Burton was unhappy not to get a penalty in the 54th minute when Danilo seemed to trip David Templeton into the box. But their luck was there when, with the withdrawal of Phil Foden, Agüero missed the goal to six yards.
Burton deserved a goal. When Liam Boyce, who scored on goal, was thwarted by Aro Muric, Will Miller's shot on the track was canceled by García. For the neutral, it was cruel, but Burton's presence at this stage of the competition added to his luster.
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