Manchester City’s dream of Champions League glory was shattered on Wednesday night as Real Madrid emerged victorious after a penalty shootout following a thrilling 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium. This was a pulsating second leg of the quarter-final tie, but ultimately Los Blancos held their nerve to progress 4-3 on penalties after a 4-4 aggregate score line.
Match Highlights
The game began at a frantic pace, with both teams looking to take the initiative. Real Madrid struck first in the 12th minute through a composed finish from Rodrygo. City responded well and dominated possession but struggled to convert their chances. The deadlock was finally broken in the 68th minute when Kevin De Bruyne curled a magnificent effort into the top corner. The Etihad erupted, but the home side couldn’t find the winner despite a late onslaught.
Key Statistics
- Possession: Manchester City (68%) vs Real Madrid (32%)
- Shots on Target: Manchester City (9) vs Real Madrid (3)
- Saves: Ederson (2) vs Andriy Lunin (6) – Lunin, the surprise starter due to Thibaut Courtois’ injury, emerged as a hero with some crucial saves.
Player Ratings
Manchester City:
- Ederson (6.5): Made a couple of important saves but couldn’t keep out Rodrygo’s opener.
- K. Walker (7.0): Energetic down the right flank but lacked composure in the final third at times.
- R. Dias (6.0): Solid defensively but struggled to contain Vinicius Jr.’s pace in the first half.
- M. Akanji (6.5): Composed on the ball and made some crucial blocks.
- J. Gvardiol (7.0): A constant threat going forward and whipped in dangerous crosses.
- Rodri (6.0): Neat and tidy in possession but couldn’t control the midfield battle against Jude Bellingham and Toni Kroos.
- K. De Bruyne (8.0): City’s best player, scoring a wonder goal and pulling the strings in midfield. (Man of the Match)
- B. Silva (7.0): Lively and creative, causing problems for the Real Madrid defence.
- P. Foden (6.5): Worked hard but couldn’t quite find his usual spark.
- J. Grealish (6.0): Frustrating night for the Englishman, who struggled to make an impact.
- E. Haaland (6.0): Well, marshalled by the Real Madrid defence and couldn’t get many clear chances.
Real Madrid:
- A. Lunin (8.5): The surprise hero, making a string of important saves throughout the game and saving a penalty in the shootout.
- Dani Carvajal (7.0): Defended diligently and provided some attacking threat down the right.
- Nacho (7.5): Composed and strong at the back, making several vital clearances.
- Rudiger (7.0): Experienced head at the back and marshalled Haaland well.
- F. Mendy (6.5): Solid defensively but offered little going forward.
- E. Camavinga (7.0): The anchor in midfield, breaking up play and protecting the defence.
- D. Carvajal (7.5): Controlled the tempo in midfield and dictated play for Real Madrid.
- T. Kroos (7.0): Composed and accurate with his passing, keeping City at bay.
- F. Valverde (6.5): Worked hard down the right flank but lacked his usual creativity.
- Vi. Junior (6.0): Caused some problems early on with his pace but faded out of the game.
- Rodrygo (7.0): Scored the opening goal and showed some good movement throughout.
What’s Next
Manchester City will now turn their attention to domestic matters. Pep Guardiola’s side are still in the race for the Premier League title and face a crucial encounter against Chelsea on Saturday the 20th of April 2024. Real Madrid, meanwhile, march on in the Champions League and will face Bayern in the semi-finals. This dramatic encounter adds another chapter to the storied rivalry between these two European giants. Real Madrid Vs Barcelona on Sunday the 21st of April 2024.
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