Video highlights: Real Madrid beat Manchester City 1-0

(AAP)
(AAP)

Real Madrid will face fierce crosstown rivals Atletico in the Champions League final after overcoming Manchester City 1-0 in the second leg of their semifinal this morning (NZT).

Gareth Bale scored the only goal across the two legs, a cross-come-shot that clipped the studs of Fernando's boot and deflected beyond Joe Hart's outstretched hand to nestle in the top corner.

The Spanish club were by far the better side -- which was perhaps aided by the early exit of City captain Vincent Kompany with injury -- and had a swathe of chances to extend their lead.

They did have the ball in the back in Manchester City's goal again, Pepe stabbing in after Sergio Ramos tapped the ball into his path from a free-kick, but it was ruled offside.

The next big chance, though, was City's – they broke quickly on the counter-attack, and when the ball was played out to Fernandinho, he cut inside and smacked a shot against the base of the post just before halftime.

However, it was to be more dominance from Los Blancos in the second half.

 Luka Modric had a fantastic opportunity after a clipped ball from Ronaldo landed at his feet with only the goalkeeper to beat, but Joe Hart reacted quickly to smother his shot.

Next Gareth Bale rose highest from a Toni Kroos corner to nod his header past Hart, but the ball bounced agonisingly off the underside of the crossbar.

Manchester City knew they needed just one away goal to go through, however, and they came painstakingly close when Argentine striker Sergio Aguero let fly from distance, only to see it bounce on top of the net.

The win ensures Real Madrid face their long-time rivals Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final, in a repeat of the 2014 finale.

Newshub.