Real Madrid defeated Manchester City on penalty kicks to advance to yet another Champions League semifinal. Following their 3-3 thriller at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg, this contest at the Etihad was a win-or-go-home affair. Also, it was a rematch of last season’s semifinal. After drawing in the first leg, Manchester City thumped Real Madrid with a 4-0 win. Real Madrid got its revenge on Wednesday night.
Rodrygo silences Etihad with goal after 12 minutes
A tentative first half saw both sides exchange possession without much threat. That changed just after 10 minutes with a long ball over the top from the visitors. Jude Bellingham brilliantly brought the ball down before playing a pass down the line to Federico Valverde. The Uruguayan’s pass farther down the field to Vinicius and a square pass across the face of goal. Rodrygo hit the ball first time at the City net. Ederson made a sensational save, but the rebound came straight back to Rodrygo, who . Real Madrid led on the night and in the tie.
Manchester City nearly drew level at the 18-minute mark. Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin made a great save in close on Erling Haaland. The rebound allowed Manchester City to keep possession in the box, and a lofted cross into the box met a rising Haaland, who headed the ball onto the crossbar. The deflection fell to Bernardo Silva who could not sort the chance at his feet and the ball went out for a goal kick.
Manchester City, as expected, dominated possession in the first half. There were lackluster chances to pull level, but Real Madrid’s low block soaked up most of City’s pressure. At times, Manchester City looked vulnerable on the counter. Still, in the first half, Real Madrid scored the only goal at the Etihad.
Manchester City responds with second-half equalizer
The hosts certainly had more of the ball to start the second half. Some of that control led to chances. For example, Jack Grealish had a great volley that was…
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Author : Kyle Fansler
Publish date : 2024-04-17 23:13:44
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