Real Madrid is immortal. Outrageously dominated by Manchester City during this quarter-final return of the Champions League, the Madrilenians held on, and snatched their qualification for the last four on penalties (3-4) after the draw in the first leg (3 -3). Too feverish during this session, Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic led the Citizens to their loss. Antonio Rüdiger then knocked them out.
The Skyblues, however, tried everything. Dominant from the first seconds, determined to maintain possession of the ball and make the Merengues run, Pep Guardiola’s men took their time to find the opening. However, they were not wary enough of the strike force of Real Madrid, who carried out the perfect counter-attack.
On receiving a very long ball, Jude Bellingham achieved absolutely divine control, before passing it to Federico Valverde. The Uruguayan then launched Vinicius on the right side, who crossed low. Well helped by the poor positioning of Kyle Walker, Rodrygo regained the ball in a moment, failing the first time on Ederson. His second attempt, however, hit the mark.
Lunin’s exploits
Then there was only one for Manchester City. Higher and higher on the pitch, the Skyblues increased their attempts, but fell foul of the Madrid defense. Erling Haaland first hit the crossbar in the 19th minute, before Andriy Lunin made the crucial saves. Sometimes criticized in Madrid, the Ukrainian goalkeeper perfectly made us forget Thibaut Courtois, injured in the meniscus of his right knee.
The second half started as the first half ended. A disagreement between Nacho Fernandez and Lunin almost gave the Citizens an equalizer but the Real Madrid captain recovered well to ward off the danger despite pressure from Haaland. For their part, the Madrilenians only counted on counterattacks.
The entry of Jérémy Doku, however, made Carlo Ancelotti’s men suffer. Spinning, the Belgian winger set fire to the Madrid defense, chaining percussions on his left flank. In the 76th minute, after yet another attempt, he sent a powerful low cross, pushed back by Antonio Rüdiger. De Bruyne, however, was in the right place to recover in one beat and crucify Lunin.
The qualification was ultimately decided on penalties. And it was the Madrilenians who were the most precise. While Luka Modric missed the initial penalty, Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic completely missed their attempts, giving their opponents a place in the last four of the day.
Bayern-Real en demi
Titled for the first time on May 31, thanks to its victory against Inter Milan (1-0), Manchester City therefore abandons its European crown. As in 2022, Real Madrid achieves a new feat, and resists a European leader. Two years ago, their success against PSG, Chelsea and, already, Manchester City took them to the title.
To achieve this once again, and add a fifteenth Champions League to their record, the Madrilenians will have to dismiss Bayern Munich in the semi-final. The Bavarians, who won the draw at Arsenal in the first leg (2-2), ensured at the Allianz Arena this Wednesday to reach the last four (1-0). Joshua Kimmich, starting right back, was the scorer of the match. Despite several opportunities, the Gunners were unable to fight back, and therefore ended in the quarter-finals.
