Manchester City vs Real Madrid Report
Scorers: De Bruyne 76’; Rodrygo 12’
Penalties scored: Alvarez, Foden, Ederson; Bellingham, Lucas Vazquez, Nacho Fernandez, Rüdiger
Penalties missed: Silva, Kovačić; Modrić
In an unforgettable UEFA Champions League quarter-final, Real Madrid defeated Manchester City on penalties at the Etihad Stadium, marking their first away win against the defending champions and securing a spot in the semi-finals for the fourth consecutive year.
Early Tensions and Breakthrough
The match started cautiously, reflecting the high stakes, but it was Real Madrid who made the initial breakthrough. Rodrygo seized an early opportunity, capitalising on a rebound to shoot past Ederson within the first 15 minutes, giving the visitors a crucial lead.
Manchester City responded with vigour, notably when Erling Haaland’s powerful header struck the crossbar, narrowly missing an equaliser.
City’s Search for an Equalizer
Throughout the first half, Manchester City intensified their efforts, with Kevin De Bruyne unleashing a couple of powerful shots that hinted at a comeback. However, Real Madrid’s defence held firm, preserving their lead into halftime.
The second half saw City continue to pressure, with Jack Grealish and Phil Foden forcing saves from Real’s goalkeeper, Andriy Lunin, who was instrumental in keeping the Spanish side ahead.
Dramatic Equalizer and Missed Opportunities
The game’s pace escalated as City grew increasingly desperate. The introduction of Jérémy Doku added fresh energy, and it was his cross that led to Antonio Rüdiger’s defensive mishap.
Kevin De Bruyne capitalised on this error, blasting the ball into the net to level the score and reignite City’s hopes. De Bruyne had a golden chance to seal the win in regulation but shot over the bar from close range, extending the match into extra time.
Tense Extra Time and Penalty Shootout
Extra time mirrored the intense back-and-forth of the earlier minutes, with Real Madrid missing a critical opportunity to clinch the victory when Rüdiger fired over from a promising position.
The match proceeded to a penalty shootout, the first in a UCL quarterfinal in nearly two decades. Real Madrid showed composure under pressure, with Lunin making key saves and Rüdiger redeeming his earlier miss by converting the decisive penalty.
Real Madrid’s victory sets up a tantalizing semifinal clash with Bayern Munich and keeps their dreams of a 15th European Cup/Champions League title alive.
For Manchester City, the loss marks a disappointing end to their title defence, highlighting the fine margins in elite European football.
For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
Man City-Real Madrid | UEFA Champions League 2023/24