Real Madrid show cooler heads to eliminate Man City on penalties

Real Madrid secured their place in the Champions League semi-finals by dethroning Manchester City in a thrilling encounter that ended 1-1 after regular time and extra time, ultimately decided by a penalty shootout. Real Madrid emerged victorious, triumphing 4-3 in the shootout at the Etihad Stadium.

The opening goal came in the 12th minute when Real Madrid executed a swift counterattack. Jude Bellingham received a precise pass, setting up Valverde, who then found Vinicius with a well-placed cross. Vinicius’ shot was saved initially, but Rodrigo pounced on the rebound to give Real Madrid the lead.

Manchester City came agonizingly close to equalizing in the 19th minute when Erling Haaland’s header rattled the crossbar, followed by Bernardo Silva’s missed attempt on the rebound.

The hosts eventually found their breakthrough in the 76th minute. Jeremy Doku exploited space on the left flank, evading Bellingham’s challenge. Antonio Rudiger’s failed clearance fell kindly to Kevin De Bruyne, who made no mistake from close range, leveling the score for Manchester City.

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Rüdiger sends Real Madrid to the semi-finals! 🎯#UCL pic.twitter.com/Vl20j70qV1

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 17, 2024

With neither team able to find a winner in regulation or extra time, the match was decided by a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Real Madrid held their nerve, converting four of their penalties to secure their passage to the semi-finals, ending Manchester City’s hopes of retaining their Champions League crown as Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic missed their shots.