Champions League
Real Madrid Beat Defending Champions Manchester City On Penalties To Reach Semi-finals
Real Madrid emerged victorious over Manchester City in a tense quarter-final clash that ended in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Etihad Stadium.
The Spanish giants, seeking their 15th European crown, showed resilience and composure to secure a spot in the Champions League semi-finals, where they are set to face Bayern Munich.
The match kicked off with a cautious start, in contrast to the energetic first leg at the Bernabéu. Real Madrid aware of the stakes took the lead early on through Rodrygo’s clinical finish inside the six-yard box. Despite City’s efforts to equalize, including a close header from Erling Haaland that struck the crossbar, Real Madrid’s defense held firm in the first half.
After the break, City intensified their attacks, with Kevin De Bruyne testing Real’s goalkeeper, Andriy Lunin, on multiple occasions. The game’s tempo fluctuated, with Real Madrid adopting a strategic approach to disrupt City’s rhythm and control the flow of the match.
As City pushed for a goal, the introduction of Jérémy Doku injected pace and creativity into their attack. A defensive error from Antonio Rüdiger allowed De Bruyne to equalize with a powerful strike into the roof of the net. City had opportunities to clinch victory in regular time, but Real Madrid’s resilience forced the game into extra time.
In a tense period of extra time, both teams battled for a decisive goal. Real Madrid’s Rüdiger missed a crucial chance from a tight angle, setting the stage for a dramatic penalty shootout. Andriy Lunin’s heroics in goal, saving penalties from Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovačić, paved the way for Rüdiger to convert the winning spot-kick, securing Real Madrid’s passage to the semi-finals.
The victory marks Real Madrid’s fourth consecutive Champions League semi-final appearance and also ends Manchester City’s title defense.
