The aftermath of Manchester City's victory over Real Madrid was filled with notable scenes as pundits and club officials gathered on the Etihad pitch. Thierry Henry was among those who made a point of seeking out Kyle Walker, interrupting Jack Grealish to tell the defender he had been 'immense' in his battle with Vinicius Junior.
One particular moment caught the eye, as Vinicius Junior appeared to have got the better of Walker, knocking the ball past him and looking set to shoot. Walker, however, produced a burst of speed to recover, calmly stopping the ball and playing his way out of danger, earning a standing ovation from the home support.
Manchester City's celebrations were inclusive, with Pep Guardiola making his way around the entire squad in the centre circle to embrace every player, ensuring all staff were involved. Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak also shared a hug with Walker in the technical area, as the positive mood extended to the club's hierarchy.
Not everyone was in good spirits, with former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra seen arguing with City's backroom staff, clearly unhappy with the result. Rio Ferdinand, meanwhile, showed his respect for City's performance, revealing he had exchanged pre-match texts with Pep Guardiola and setting aside his club allegiances.
The occasion was also notable for the atmosphere, with City encouraging fans to arrive early for pyrotechnics and fireworks. Every supporter found a blue or white flag on their seat to wave before kick-off, and streamers were released from the stands, creating a striking spectacle for the Champions League semi-final.
