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Published on 2024-04-17 09:55:52
Real Madrid sought redemption against Manchester City to advance to the Champions League semi-finals with a 4-3 victory on penalties after an intense battle at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.
The match started with Rodrygo scoring an early goal for Madrid, followed by Kevin De Bruyne leveling the score for City, resulting in a 1-1 draw on the night and a 4-4 aggregate score. Despite City’s efforts, their Champions League title defense came to an end after Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic missed their penalty kicks, with Madrid’s goalkeeper Andriy Lunin emerging as the unexpected hero of the night.
Madrid will now face Bayern Munich in the semi-finals after the German team defeated Arsenal 3-2 on aggregate. City, who had not lost a home Champions League match since 2018, faced a resilient Madrid defense despite having 34 attempts on goal.
Although City dominated possession and created numerous opportunities, Madrid’s defensive efforts were commendable. City manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged Madrid’s ability to resist and defend until the end, praising their performance in the match.
The game saw a reversal of roles from the previous encounters between the two teams, with Madrid taking an early lead through Rodrygo’s goal. City pressed forward but struggled to break through Madrid’s defense, with Lunin making key saves to deny their attacking threats.
Despite City’s relentless attacking efforts, Madrid held their ground and managed to take the game to a penalty shootout. With Ederson saving Luka Modric’s penalty, City had an early advantage, but Lunin’s saves against Silva and Kovacic sealed Madrid’s victory.
The decisive moment came when Rudiger converted the final penalty to secure Madrid’s place in the semi-finals. Guardiola praised Madrid for their resilience and defensive solidity, expressing his disappointment at City’s inability to capitalize on their chances.
Overall, the match showcased the unpredictable nature of football, with Madrid emerging victorious against the odds. Both teams displayed determination and skill throughout the game, but Madrid’s defensive resilience proved to be the deciding factor in the end.
As they prepare to face Bayern Munich in the next round, Madrid will look to continue their impressive form and push for a spot in the Champions League final. City, on the other hand, will reflect on their performance and regroup for future challenges in the competition.
