His team, for whom ÖFB star David Alaba, who was still injured, could only keep his fingers crossed from a distance via TV, had to suffer for more than 120 minutes. 120:19 attacks, 34:8 shots, 18:1 corners and a ball possession of 64:36 percent speak a very clear language regarding the superiority of the “Citizens”. Before the penalty shootout, Kevin De Bruyne’s equalizer (76th), who canceled out Rodrygo’s early lead (12th), was the only gain for the home team.
“It’s so difficult here. They have the ball almost constantly and let you run back and forth. Most teams would fall apart, but we fought back really well. The mentality was crucial,” said the “relieved” Real ace Jude Bellingham.
Wall tactics bring Ancelotti success
Carlo Ancelotti’s wall tactics were ultimately successful. “That’s the only way you can win at Man City,” said the Italian. He loves it when a team gives everything in such big games and sacrifices for success. “We suffered, but always found a way out.” After the extra time, he was convinced of his team’s promotion. Despite a failed attempt by Luka Modric at the start of the penalty shootout, it was successful as Bernardo Silva embarrassed himself with a “shot” in the middle and Mateo Kovacic was also denied by Real goalkeeper Andrij Lunin.
Reuters/Jason Cairnduff Guardiola had to congratulate Ancelotti on his promotion
The focus was on a player who is only used regularly thanks to Thibaut Courtois’ injury. “I had to take a risk, stopped once in the middle and it worked,” said the 25-year-old Ukrainian. For the first time in his career, he played such an important game for more than 120 minutes. “I am overwhelmed, it is difficult to describe my feelings.”
Antonio Rüdiger, of all people, scored the decisive penalty to make the final score 4-3 via the inside bar, a defender who had never started from the spot before. “We always fight – we always believe, we never give up!” wrote the 31-year-old on Instagram. There was a happy ending for him in a rollercoaster of emotions after he unfortunately cleared the ball at De Bruyne’s feet before the equalizer. “Rüdiger, from mistake to ecstasy at the Etihad,” wrote “Mundo deportivo”.
City can’t blame itself
The CL record champions succeeded in avenging their semi-final exit in the premier class against ManCity last season, including a 4-0 defeat in Manchester. Despite the defeat, the offensive player Toni Kroos didn’t want to know anything about a lucky progression: “If you take both games together, it’s not undeserved that we progressed.” In Madrid, the teams had separated 3-3 in a thrilling game.
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Bayern have their last chance for the title
The English missed the historic chance of a second treble in a row. Coach Josep Guardiola couldn’t blame his own team. “We did everything. The performance was exceptional both offensively and defensively. We created a lot of chances, but football is about scoring goals and Real did better from the penalty spot,” said the Spaniard. “Maximum pity for City,” said “Sport”. England’s champions had restricted their opponents with possession football for 120 minutes.
Now the focus is on the FA Cup, where Chelsea are the opponents in the semi-finals on Saturday, and the league, where Guardiola’s troops are two points ahead after 32 rounds. Real also have a highlight waiting for them in the league. On Sunday, the next big step towards the championship title can be taken in the home Clasico against pursuers FC Barcelona with a lead of eight points. The semi-final at FC Bayern on April 30th is not yet in focus. In the last semi-final duel between the two teams in 2018, the “Royals” made it to the final.
2024-04-18 16:03:26
#Champions #League #Real #successfully #City #despair
