Real Madrid ended Manchester City’s reign in the Champions League by triumphing in a tense quarter-final clash at Etihad Stadium that culminated in a penalty shootout.
Despite falling behind early to Rodrygo’s goal, the defending champions relentlessly pressed forward, with Kevin de Bruyne eventually leveling the score late in normal time after capitalizing on Antonio Rudiger’s clearance.
City’s dominance throughout the match warranted more than just an equalizer, yet their inability to convert chances proved costly. Despite Real’s exhaustion and desperate defensive efforts, they managed to hold on until the shootout.
Read also: Borussia Dortmund eliminate Atletico Madrid from the UCL quarterfinals.
Initially, City seemed destined to face Bayern Munich in the semi-finals, especially after Luka Modric’s miss for Real. However, Bernardo Silva and substitute Mateo Kovacic failed to convert their penalties, allowing goalkeeper Andriy Lunin to shine. Ultimately, former Chelsea defender Rudiger secured victory for Real from the spot.
This defeat dashed City’s hopes of clinching another treble, comprising the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup. Now, they must regroup from this grueling encounter as they prepare to defend their FA Cup aspirations against Chelsea in the semi-final at Wembley on Saturday.
