A spot of Real revenge to end City’s reign
Real Madrid exacted revenge on Manchester City to reach the Champions League semi-finals 4-3 on penalties after withstanding a barrage at the Etihad.
Rodrygo gave the visitors an early lead before Kevin De Bruyne hit back for the holders to leave the match level at 1-1 on the night and 4-4 on aggregate.
However, City’s defence of the competition came to an end after Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic saw spotkicks saved by Madrid’s unlikely hero Andriy Lunin.
The Ukrainian, who has deputised this season for the injured Thibaut Courtois, had been at fault for City’s early opener in the first leg but more than made amends.
Madrid will face Bayern Munich in the last four after the German giants beat Arsenal 3-2 on aggregate.
The holders were held at bay by a heroic defensive effort by the 14-time European champion, despite having 34 attempts on goal.
“It’s so difficult. They are continuously probing with the ball and move you around. Most teams would fall apart when City get on top of you but we stood up really well,” said Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham (inset). “Today it came down to mentality.”
Madrid was blown away by an early City blitz in a 4-0 defeat at the Etihad 11 months ago as Pep Guardiola’s men went on to win the competition for the first time. City also edged a semi-final first leg thriller 43 on home soil two years ago only to be stunned by a late Madrid fightback in the return leg.
“In other sports for the stats we would win but football is like this and it’s marvellous,” Guardiola said.
“I don’t have any regrets.”