PHOTO – Champions League – Quarter Final – Second Leg – Manchester City v Real Madrid – Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain – April 17, 2024 Real Madrid players react during a penalty shootout
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Antonio Rudiger scored the decisive penalty as Real Madrid beat holders Manchester City in an edge-of-your-seat 4-3 shootout victory to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League after the teams were locked at 4-4 on aggregate following extra time on Wednesday.
City’s Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic both misfired in the shootout to put Madrid in the driving seat and Ruediger slotted their final effort past keeper Ederson to extinguish City’s dreams of a second straight treble.
“We started well, went ahead and then we had to fight to survive, we had to suffer. City had control because we defended too deep,” Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti told Movistar. “By the time the penalty shootout came, we were convinced we’d go through.
“This is about the only way you can come to City and win. You work, sacrifice, and win however you can.”
An absorbing encounter had finished 1-1 on the night after Kevin De Bruyne’s second-half effort had canceled out Rodrygo’s opener for Madrid, who sealed a semi-final berth against Bayern Munich.
“We’ve suffered a lot because City is a very strong team that put you against the ropes, but we are Real Madrid and we fought until the end, what matters is that we are in the semi-finals,” Madrid skipper Nacho told Movistar Plus+.
“These are magical nights and I have goosebumps. It’s one of those you dream of as a child.”
After the teams had slugged out a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg, Madrid, who have hoisted the Champions League trophy a record 14 times, took the lead in the tie when Rodrygo stunned the Etihad crowd with a goal in the 12th minute.
England international Jude Bellingham picked a long ball out of the air with stunning control in the build-up to Rodrygo’s goal. Vinicius Jr crossed to the 23-year-old Brazilian, whose first shot was batted away by Ederson before he tucked in an easy rebound.
“It’s relief,” Bellingham told TNT Sports. “You put so much into the game. I’ve played against City before and they snatch it away from you. I was pretty much dead on my feet at the end.
“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 well.”
Rodrygo’s goal was Madrid’s final shot on target on a night that City had 68% possession, but the home side squandered chance after chance — several from prolific striker Erling Haaland who was replaced at the end of normal time by Julian Alvarez.
“Congratulations to Real Madrid, they defend so deep, with incredible solidarity,” Guardiola said. “We did everything. I have no regrets about what we’ve done.
Meanwhile, Arsenal made a bitterly disappointing exit from the Champions League as they were beaten by Bayern Munich in a euphoric atmosphere at Allianz Arena.
Joshua Kimmich’s powerful 63rd-minute header from Raphael Guerreiro’s cross was enough to send the Germans through to the semi-finals 3-2 on aggregate after the two teams had drawn 2-2 in London in the first leg.
Despite being held at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal were confident of advancing against a Bayern Munich side who had endured a poor domestic season and were without key players Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman because of injury.
Bayern will meet Real Madrid in the semi-finals after the record 14-time winners knocked out Manchester City on penalties.
“It’s been a tough season for us,” said England captain Kane, who scored in the first leg at Emirates Stadium.
“To reach the semi-finals is a great achievement for us and we can enjoy it. The expectation here is to try and win the Champions League.”
