- In the quarter-finals of the Champions League, Real Madrid prevailed against Manchester City thanks to a victory in the penalty shootout. After 120 minutes the score was 1:1.
- Real Madrid took an early lead, then ManCity ran until Kevin de Bruyne scored a well-deserved equalizer.
- In the semi-finals, Real will face Bayern, who beat Arsenal thanks to a narrow 1-0 win.
After a total of 210 minutes, the overall score between Manchester City and Real Madrid was 4:4. A spectacular 3:3 in the first leg. A less goal-rich but no less attractive 1-1 in the second leg, in which extra time didn’t produce a winner. So the penalty shootout had to decide whether we progressed.
And from that point on, the “Royals” stayed cooler. Luka Modric failed as the first shooter. But then Andriy Lunin saved two attempts. And because all the Madrilenians scored, including Antonio Rüdiger at the end, Real Madrid still prevailed. Although the game was dominated by the home team for long stretches.
Attractive 90 minutes
Real Madrid had more of the game in the opening minutes. Eduardo Camavinga tested Ederson after 11 minutes. Two minutes later, Jude Bellingham was hit with a long ball. With a clever pass he launched Federico Valverde, who found Rodrygo with his pass in the middle. The Brazilian failed with his first attempt, but he confidently used the rebound to make it 1-0.
The optimal start for Real Madrid. But then the Madrilenians completely stopped their offensive game. Manchester City is different. The “Skyblues” launched attack after attack, restricting Real more and more at the back. Shortly after the goal, Erling Haaland’s header hit the crossbar.
Always De Bruyne
The active Kevin de Bruyne and offensive partner Jack Grealish took turns with shots in the first half, but either the Real defense got in the way, the ball missed the target, or Lunin prevented the goal from being conceded.
Even after the break, the “Citizens” remained dominant. There was hardly any relief from Real Madrid, the defense was constantly busy. The endeavor to save the narrow lead over time also went well for a long time. Nacho saved from Haaland who was ready to shoot (51′), Phil Foden and Manuel Akanji missed (53’/58′).
Deserved redemption
In general, the Swiss central defender was increasingly found in the opposing half of the pitch, even in the penalty area. As the game continued, Akanji acted as a link between defense and attack and even showed his playmaking qualities at times.
A quarter of an hour before the end of regular time, ManCity was rewarded for their enormous effort. Jérémy Doku, who had just come on as a substitute, brought the ball to De Bruyne via a detour. The Belgian hit the net powerfully from close range – the long-overdue 1-1.
And the Belgian almost decided the game. But two more shots from De Bruyne missed their target. And so extra time and then the penalty shootout had to take place – where, as we know, Real had the better nerves.
This is how it goes
Real Madrid will face Bayern in the semi-finals. The Munich team prevailed against Arsenal thanks to a 1-0 home win. The first legs will take place on April 30th/1st. May take place, the second legs on the 7th/8th. May.