Manchester City and Real Madrid clashed once again in the Champions League knockout stages, this time at the Etihad Stadium, battling for a coveted spot in the semi-finals of the tournament.
In the 12th minute, Madrid brought the tie to life with a Brazilian combination which saw Vinicius turn provider for Rodrygo whose first time finish was saved by Ederson, only to score from the follow up to give the Los Blancos the lead.
Haaland’s header hit the crossbar and Bernado sent his follow up wide of an empty net as the Manchester City pressure began to build. De Bruyne’s attempts from range were also not enough to trouble the Madrid goal as they were most times high or wide.
Next was Grealish, who after a darting run sent his shot to the side-net as Guardiola’s men kept looking for a reply.
Persistence finally paid off in the second half, when Doku’s cross was spilled to the path of Kevin De Bruyne who sent the ball into the roof of the net to get his side level and send the game to extra time.
Rudiger, surprisingly in the striker’s position could have won it in extra time, when he connected with Brahim Diaz’s cross only for the German defender to send his shot high of the Mancity goal as the game went into penalties.
All nerves as Modric missed the first spot kick, only for Madrid shot stopper, Andre Lunin to calm them by saving two in a row from Bernado silva and Kovacic, to keep Madrid in and ahead in the shootout.
Rudiger was the hero as he slotted the last penalty calmly to send Real Madrid to the semi final for the second season running.
Mbey Williams