Real Madrid have advanced to the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) following a 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.
The pulsating second-leg encounter dominated by City had finished 1-1 at regulation time for a 4-4 aggregate scoreline, and both sides could not find the winner in extra time, thereby requiring the lottery of penalty kicks to determine the winner.
Real Madrid found themselves in front when Rodrygo scored on the rebound after being found at the back post by Vinicius Jr. on 12 minutes.
From then on, Man City dominated but could not find the right chance to level matters as the visitors went into the break ahead.
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Pep Guardiola’s side continued to probe and eventually got the equaliser through Kevin de Bruyne who slotted in from close range on 76 minutes.
The final ball continued to elude Man City as Real Madrid held on for added time where Rudiger spurned the best chance as the match went to penalties for a winner.
Real Madrid emerged triumphant from the lottery with goalkeeper Andriy Lunin saving twice after Luka Modric missed the side’s first kick. Rudiger dispatched the last to help Real Madrid sail into the last-four stage.
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The 14-time UCL champions’ victory is revenge for Man City dumping them at the semi-final stage last season.
Real Madrid have qualified for the semi-finals of the premier club football tournament for a record-extending 33 times, 12 more than Bayern Munich, the deposed German champions they will face next.
Bayern Munich qualified thanks to a 1-0 win over Arsenal, ensuring Thomas Tuchel’s side advance 3-2 on aggregate.
Joshua Kimmich’s second-half goal was the difference between both sides on a night both English clubs exited the competition.
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