Real Madrid has clinched their spot in the Champions League semi-final after a thrilling quarter-final clash with Manchester City that ended in penalties. Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City cancelled out Rodrygo’s opener to level the scores on aggregate, leading to Real Madrid’s victory in the penalty shoot-out despite Manchester City’s dominance.
In an interview with TNT Sports, a Real Madrid midfielder expressed relief, stating, “It’s a relief because you put so much into the game. I’ve played against City before when you’ve been close and you feel like you should get something out of it, then all of a sudden they snatch it away from you. You have to work really hard to beat them and I was pretty much dead on my feet at the end. To win the game is a massive reward.”
Misses from Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva during the penalty shoot-out allowed Antonio Rudiger to score the decisive spot-kick, leading to wild celebrations among Real Madrid’s players. Real Madrid will now face Bayern Munich in the last four of the Champions League, marking the end of Manchester City’s journey in the competition.
Following the match, Manchester City defender Ruben Dias expressed frustration, stating, “I don’t know what to say. It’s very frustrating. We dominated the whole game. You go to penalties. The effort was there. We had chances. It’s a difficult one to take.”
The intense battle between the two teams led the game into extra time, eventually being settled by a nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out. The match demonstrated the determination and skill of both teams, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Real Madrid’s triumph over Manchester City highlighted their resilience and ability to perform under pressure, showcasing the competitive spirit of the Champions League and leaving fans eagerly anticipating the upcoming semi-final matches.
As the competition progresses, football enthusiasts can expect more high-stakes clashes and captivating moments as the remaining teams strive for glory in the Champions League.