Spanish Real Madrid reached the semi-finals of the European Champions League after defeating defending champion Manchester City 4-3 on penalties, on Wednesday, after regular and extra time ended 1-1 at Etihad Stadium, bringing the total of the two quarter-final matches to 4-4.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Andrey Lunin saved two penalty kicks, while Antonio Rudiger scored the decisive kick for the Spanish team.
Kevin De Bruyne scored City’s equalizer in the 76th minute, canceling out Real striker Rodrigo’s goal in the 12th minute.
City failed to maintain its title, which it achieved for the first time last year.
City dominated for most of the 120 minutes, while the Spanish team’s players withstood the home team’s offensive attempts.
Real will play against Bayern Munich in the first leg of the semi-final on April 30 before hosting it at the Santiago Bernabeu on May 7.
Real Madrid started the match quickly, relying on Vinicius Junior, Rodrigo and Bellingham’s presence in the front line.
After a series of passes that began with a long pass, Brazilian Vinicius sent a cross pass to his compatriot, who shot directly, but goalkeeper Ederson blocked it before it returned to him, giving coach Carlo Ancelotti’s team the lead.
Real Madrid retreated, relying on counterattacks, while City practiced its favorite hobby of possessing the ball.
Real Madrid players tightened the defense so that City relied on crosses, but the tight control of Erling Haaland prevented the Norwegian striker from benefiting from it.
City’s pressure increased after the break, and Real Madrid goalkeeper Lunin stood up to several attempts from Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva.
But playmaker De Bruyne succeeded in following up on a rebound after a defensive lapse, slotting it into Lunin’s net and bringing City back into the game, before wasting a dangerous opportunity from close range in the 82nd minute when he shot over the crossbar after escaping from control.
Real suffered a blow when Vinicius was injured in extra time, which City dominated, so he left and gave his place to Lucas Vazquez.
It seemed that City were closer to winning on penalties when Julián Alvarez succeeded in scoring the first kick and goalkeeper Ederson succeeded in blocking the shot of veteran Luka Modric.
But Silva shot recklessly in the middle of the goal, and goalkeeper Lunin caught the ball before Blenham scored successfully and equalized the score.
City player Mateo Kovacic, who previously played for Real Madrid, missed after Lunin blocked his kick before Vazquez gave his team the advantage.
Foden, Real Madrid captain Nacho, and goalkeeper Ederson succeeded in scoring, making the score 3-3, and defender Rudiger successfully scored the decisive kick, bringing the visiting team to the semi-finals.
