Champions League: Manchester City stumbled 1 Vs Real Madrid 1 (ending 4-4 on aggregate, Real Madrid triumphed 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out)
Hopes of retaining the Champions League title were dashed for Manchester City, when they succumbed dramatically to Real Madrid following a tense penalty face-off. Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic both failed to convert their penalty shots, leading to a 4-3 loss for City, even though the thrilling quarter-final match ended on equal terms, 4-4 on aggregate. An early goal by Rodrygo in the second leg gave Real the initial advantage at Etihad Stadium, but City otherwise held sway and, despite a cascade of opportunities, only managed to get a draw in the 76th minute, courtesy of a goal by Kevin De Bruyne.
A golden opportunity to clinch the match during regular time was squandered by De Bruyne, and Erling Haaland had hit the goalpost in an earlier shot. Ultimately, it was to be Real Madrid, with their record-breaking 14 wins in the competition, who emerged victorious. The outcome was undeserved for City who had shown their intent to dominate play from the outset. Despite their hold over the play, the hosts were susceptible to quick counter-attacks and conceded a goal just 12 minutes into the game.
Jude Bellingham deftly played a high ball with his foot’s exterior, found Federico Valverde, who then passed it to Vinicius Junior in the goal area. Vinicius gave the ball to Rodrygo and, despite a commendable saving attempt by Ederson to deflect his strong shot, the Brazilian scored on the rebound. In response, City increased their intensity and fashioned several scoring attempts. Haaland’s strike bounced off the crossbar and Silva missed the following shot, whereas De Bruyne compelled Andriy Lunin to prevent a goal from a shot over 25 yards out. Jack Grealish came close to scoring twice, each time his strikes were deflected, while goalkeeper Lunin thwarted two of De Bruyne’s corner shots. When Phil Foden missed his shot, City kept the heat on but it required a blockade by Josko Gvardiol on a shot from Dani Carvajal to stop Real from adding another goal. City dominated as the second half began with Nacho having to clear his lines in the face of an imminent threat by Haaland, resulting from confusion in the Real area. As frustrations began to show past the 60-minute mark, Foden directed a feeble shot at Lunin while Pep Guardiola tried to lift the crowd’s spirits.
Persistently, City advanced with Grealish making attempts on Lunin, their tenacity eventually paid dividends when Antonio Rudiger could only partially deal with a delivery from replacement Jeremy Doku, leading to De Bruyne being able to execute a sure goal from the stray ball. City then leveraged the momentum from the fired up crowd, amping up their gameplay with De Bruyne narrowly missing the mark with his dipping strike, followed by a squandered prime opportunity. Despite keeping their foot on the gas until the final whistle, City were unable to breakthrough Real’s resolute defence line. As they moved into extra time, Haaland made way and Foden missed a golden opportunity by mishitting right in front of the goal. Although Real’s offences remained infrequent, a speedy recovery by Kyle Walker prevented Vinicius from breaking free and Rudiger shot a chance wide. In the end, it all came down to penalties. Despite Ederson giving City some hope with a save from Luka Modric, Lunin was there to halt both Silva and Kovacic, ensuring Real’s victory.