Real Madrid triumphed over Manchester City, ending their reign as Champions League champions with a dramatic 4-3 victory on penalties at the Etihad Stadium, inching closer to their 15th title in the competition they have long dominated.
The match, which ended 1-1 for the night and 4-4 on aggregate, tested the limits of both teams. Jude Bellingham of Madrid acknowledged the strain, stating, “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 really well.”
Despite controlling the game with a significant possession advantage and a barrage of corner kicks, City could only muster a single goal by Kevin de Bruyne in response to Rodrygo’s early score for Madrid. Ultimately, it was a penalty shootout that sealed the deal, with Antonio Rudiger delivering the winning strike after both teams saw penalties saved.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reflected on the nature of the sport, hinting that the team’s statistical dominance would typically indicate a win in other sports. Guardiola admitted that his team missed critical opportunities to score against a resolute Madrid defense.
Madrid’s victory sets them up against Bayern Munich in the semifinals, following Bayern’s win over Arsenal. “Today it came down to mentality,” said Bellingham, underscoring the psychological edge that led to Madrid’s success.
The loss not only halted City’s quest for back-to-back Champions League titles and consecutive trebles but also prevented them from joining the ranks of English teams to achieve such a feat. Still, City remains in contention for the Premier League and FA Cup.
Madrid’s win extends their streak to four consecutive semifinal appearances in the Champions League, thwarting City’s attempt to establish a similar record.
Madrid’s coach Carlo Ancelotti attributed the win to the club’s unwavering determination, stating, “Madrid is a club based on always fighting to stay in situations where there seems to be no way out – but we always find a way.”
For Ancelotti, a win would mark his fifth Champions League title as a coach, outpacing Guardiola. Meanwhile, Guardiola must revisit his strategies after failing to secure the European title he last won over a decade ago.
Guardiola expressed profound gratitude toward his players for their exceptional play, yet acknowledged the ultimate goal of victory was not met.
The rivalry between Madrid and City has intensified, with their Champions League encounters proving pivotal to the competition’s outcome over the past two seasons.
Bellingham was instrumental in Madrid’s opening goal, demonstrating skillful play that led to Rodrygo’s goal. Despite City leveling through De Bruyne, the match’s destiny was decided in the penalty shootout, where Madrid emerged victorious, much to the dismay of City supporters and the jubilation of the Madridistas.
Madrid’s Nacho summed up the sentiment of the night, saying, “We suffered a lot tonight because City really put you under the cosh. But we are Real Madrid. We always, always fight until the very end.”
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