Le match : 1-1 (3-4, t.a.b.)
Guardiola’s bunker is no more. Undefeated for almost six years at home in the Champions League, and a success for OL (2-1, September 19, 2018), Manchester City fell to Real Madrid (1-1, 3-4, tab) . The Merengue club had already eliminated the English in the semi-finals two years ago in what has now become a C1 classic. Far from the disheveled first leg (3-3), this return match was the scene of better control of the two teams, each in their own style.
Real Madrid’s defense was heroic, something that has become a habit for years. From the immense hinge Rüdiger-Nacho to the tireless full-backs Carvajal-Mendy through the Ukrainian goalkeeper Lounine, the Merengue rearguard delivered a magnificent match of self-sacrifice and serenity. Opposite, they had a team entirely focused on possession, sometimes sterile, but often impressive in technical mastery. This was not enough to bring down the Merengue club, which is part of the last four of the C1 for the 12th time in 14 years.
10/13
During its thirteen elimination duels against the C1 title holder, Real Madrid won 10 times! The last time the Spanish club fell to the champion was in 1990, in the round of 16, against AC Milan.
Under pressure, without Tchouaméni (suspended), Real put itself in the best conditions by scoring very quickly, after an action initiated by a magical control from Bellingham: in relay, Vinicius was able to cross hard for the restart Rodrygo’s two-stroke. Almost the only clear opportunity for the Madrilenians in the entire match, including extra time… Huddled on their goal, they let the opponent circulate the ball, forcing candy-tasting crosses for their defense or easy long-range shots for Lounine .
They still paid physically for their defensive profligacy: Foden’s refocusing at the break and the entry of Doku in the 72nd minute hurt them and De Bruyne was able to equalize in the 76th minute, lying in wait for a missed clearance by Rüdiger . The latter could have ended the debates earlier, in an unexpected position on a pass from Diaz (105th) but he did not get on target. Not his cup of tea, unlike his save in front of Kovacic in the 113th. The former Chelsea defender, definitely in every shot, finally qualified his team by converting the last shot on goal against an opposition from which we expected more.
The man: Lounine, unsung hero
Bought by Real Madrid almost six years ago, promised a great future, Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lounine was biding his time in the shadows (or even further, on loan). She arrived this season with the serious injury of Thibault Courtois. Not good on the way out, he made up for it perfectly on the way back. Obviously, we will remember his two saves during the penalty shootout, first on a completely missed shot from Bernardo Silva then on his right, parrying in front of the attempt by his former teammate Kovacic. But if Real was able to hold on until that moment, it was mainly thanks to him. Throughout the match, he really relieved his team, in the air especially on vicious corners from De Bruyne for example or the crosses from the English wingers. On his line, he was very solid (27th, 47th, 53rd, 70th, 78th).
