Real Madrid Triumphs in Tense Penalty Shootout to Reach Champions League Semifinals
In a thrilling penalty shootout, record champions Real Madrid edged out defending champions Manchester City to secure their place in the Champions League semifinals.
The encounter ended Manchester City’s home streak unbeaten in 41 matches and set Madrid up for a semifinal clash against Bayern Munich, who advanced by defeating Arsenal.
Manchester City (England) vs. Real Madrid (Spain) 1–1 (Full Time: 0–1, 1–1, 1–1) - Penalties: 3–4
For the third consecutive season, these two powerhouses met in the knockout stages, with the winner of their encounters going on to claim the trophy in the last two campaigns.
Despite starting with a home draw in their previous matchups in the elite competition, Real Madrid had only managed to turn two of such instances into victories - both times against a team from Manchester, including a memorable win over a treble-winning Manchester United side.
Manchester City saw the return of key players Ederson, Kyle Walker, and Kevin De Bruyne, while Nacho stepped in for Real Madrid’s defense. The match began cautiously, differing from their rapid start in Madrid. Nonetheless, Real Madrid took the lead in the 12th minute when Rodrygo scored on a follow-up after Ederson initially saved his first attempt.
Despite going behind, Manchester City dominated play, with Erling Haaland hitting the crossbar and Bernardo Silva missing a close-range opportunity. Real Madrid focused on counterattacks but remained under pressure, with City creating multiple chances.
Real Madrid defended resiliently, often with ten men behind the ball, which kept them in the game despite City’s dominance. The breakthrough for Manchester City came in the 76th minute when De Bruyne scored, making it 1–1.
The match progressed to penalties after extended play, where Real Madrid prevailed 4–3, despite Manchester City having a vast advantage in shot attempts.
Bayern Munich (Germany) vs. Arsenal (England) 1–0
Following a 2–2 draw in London, the second leg in Munich saw Bayern Munich advancing to the semifinals with a 1–0 win over Arsenal, courtesy of a goal from Joshua Kimmich in the 63rd minute. Despite Arsenal's efforts and a solid performance from goalkeeper David Raya, they couldn't overturn Bayern Munich’s lead.
Champions League Quarterfinal, Second Leg Results:
Manchester City (England) vs. Real Madrid (Spain) 1–1 (De Bruyne 76.; Rodrygo 12.) – Penalties: 3–4
Real Madrid advances to the semifinals after a 4–4 aggregate score, winning on penalties.
Bayern Munich (Germany) vs. Arsenal (England) 1–0 (Kimmich 63.)
Bayern Munich proceeds with a 3–2 aggregate score.
Tuesday’s Results:
FC Barcelona (Spain) vs. Paris Saint-Germain (France) 1–4 (Aggregate Score: PSG advances 6–4)
Borussia Dortmund (Germany) vs. Atlético Madrid (Spain) 4–2 (Aggregate Score: Dortmund advances 5–4)
The Champions League has once again lived up to its reputation for drama and excitement, with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich moving closer to the grand finale.