Real Madrid have moved one step closer to the trophy, defeating Manchester City 4-3 in a penalty shootout at the Etihad Stadium this Wednesday. With the aggregate score tied at 4-4 and the game stuck at 1-1 through extra time, Antonio Rüdiger stepped up to score the winning goal. The match saw the 14-time winners knock out the defending champions, aided by key saves from Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic. Madrid's early momentum started in the 12th minute when Rodrygo capitalized on a rebound to put his side ahead.
Real Madrid advanced to the Champions League semifinals by defeating Manchester City 4-3 on penalties at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday. Antonio Rüdiger scored the winning penalty kick after the game ended 1-1 in extra time and 4-4 on aggregate. Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic’s penalties were saved in the shootout, as reigning champions City were knocked out by record 14-time winners Madrid. Rodrygo put Madrid ahead in the 12th minute with a two-shot from close range that beat City goalkeeper Ederson on the rebound.
Manchester City controlled the tempo for much of the game, and their persistence paid off in the 76th minute when Kevin De Bruyne equalized with a sharp shot. The penalty shootout began in City's favor after Julián Álvarez converted and Luka Modric failed to score. However, the momentum shifted when Madrid's keeper, Andriy Lunin, blocked two straight penalties from Kovacic and Silva. Lunin's save against Silva was especially effortless, as the ball was hit directly center-chest height.
This defeat is a major blow for City, as it kills their chances of securing consecutive trebles or becoming the first English side to defend a Champions League title. Despite this setback, they remain focused on winning the FA Cup and the Premier League.
By winning this clash, the Spanish giants remain on course for an unprecedented 15th European Cup. This victory also marks the fourth consecutive year that Real Madrid has reached the semifinals, preventing City from matching that impressive streak.
Beating Pep Guardiola's side required immense resilience from Madrid; despite being dominated for long stretches, they managed to hold on after De Bruyne's equalizer. This encounter marks the third year in a row these two powerhouses have met in Europe's elite competition. Their rivalry has become legendary, especially since the winner of their previous matchups has gone on to win the entire tournament. Given how close the margins were, it was fitting that they entered this stage perfectly level after the first leg.
Coming into the game, Madrid were motivated by a desire for revenge after a bruising 4-0 loss in last year's semifinals. Even though they were facing the tournament favorites, Jude Bellingham remained confident in his team's prestige. During the match, the English star showed his class by skillfully manipulating Rodri with a clever touch after picking up a long ball near the halfway mark.
City responded with wave after wave of attacks, led by Erling Haaland, which forced Madrid to defend deep in their own half for most of the game. Jack Grealish had several chances to put City ahead, but he couldn't find the finish. Eventually, the pressure told, and De Bruyne found the equalizer.