Champions League: Real Madrid end Manchester City’s defence, Bayern beat Arsenal
Real Madrid, as usual, found a way to progress in the Champions League.
This time after beating Manchester City on penalties in a dramatic quarter-final second leg at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, April 17. The 14-time winners of the European top prize dethroned the Premier League giants, ending their hopes of a second successive treble. Carlo Anceloti’s men did not look convincing but they got the job done at the end of a draining contest to reach their fourth successive Champions League semi-final. On the other hand, Bayern Munich beat Arsenal 1-1 at home to progress to the semi-final with a 3-2 aggregate scoreline and set up a mouth-watering clash with Real Madrid.
After having found the back of the net thrice in a 3-3 draw in Madrid last week, Manchester City headed into the second-leg tie as favourites. Pep Guardiola’s men were eyeing back-to-back Champions League crowns – a feat that would have sealed their status in European royalty. However, it was not meant to be for City as they had only themselves to blame when the extra-time ended 1-1.
Real Madrid won a nail-biting penalty shootout 4-3 with Antonio Rudiger, the former Chelsea man who was booed throughout the contest at the Etihad, stepping up to score the winning penalty. There was no separating the two teams at the end of 120 minutes after a Kevin de Bruyne strike in the second half cancelled out Rodyrgo’s first-half goal. Manchester City had plenty of chances to go ahead, but with Erling Haaland hitting the woodwork, Manchester City, somehow, found a way to keep it 1-1. Rudiger himself had a good opportunity to seal the deal in extra-time from close range, but he missed the target. His mistake also led to the equaliser, but the German international rose up to become Real Madrid’s hero in the shoot-out along with goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who was one of the busiest men on the big night.
Manchester City dominated possession and created numerous chances, showcasing why they were the defending champions. They had an impressive 64% possession and forced 18 corners, compared to Madrid’s solitary one, throughout the match and extra time. However, Real Madrid, known as the all-time kings of Europe, withstood the onslaught, demonstrating their pedigree in this competition.
REAL SURVIVE THRILLING SHOOTOUT
Rodrygo gave Real Madrid an early lead in the 12th minute, capitalising on a rebound after a sensational save from Ederson. This goal set the tone for the match, with City chasing an equalizer for much of the game. Kevin De Bruyne eventually found the back of the net in the 76th minute, reviving City’s hopes and levelling the scoreline. Despite City’s dominance, the match went to penalties after no further goals were scored in extra time.
The penalty shootout was a rollercoaster of emotions. Julian Alvarez initially gave City the advantage, but Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Andriy Lunin turned hero by saving successive spot kicks from Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic. It was a thrill ride after Luka Modric missed one.
Amidst the tension, Antonio Rudiger stepped up to take the decisive penalty. Rudiger, who had been booed throughout the match due to past encounters with Manchester City as a Chelsea player, displayed nerves of steel. Rudiger’s revival after being booed was symbolic of Real Madrid’s performance on the night. Against the odds and in the face of relentless pressure from Manchester City, Real Madrid showed why they are considered European royalty.
BAYERN KNOCK OUT ARSENAL
On the other side of the Champions League drama, Arsenal faced a bitter exit after losing to Bayern Munich. The Gunners, who have had a challenging history against German clubs, added another chapter to their book of European heartaches.
The decisive moment came in the 63rd minute when Joshua Kimmich, with a display of sheer determination and skill, powered a header into the net following Raphael Guerreiro’s precise cross. This goal not only showcased Kimmich’s individual brilliance but also underscored Bayern’s tactical execution, which had been meticulously planned by Tuchel, and hailed as a “tactical masterpiece.”
Arsenal, despite their valiant efforts and possession, struggled to penetrate Bayern’s defense and test Manuel Neuer significantly. Mikel Arteta’s side, known for their resilience and attacking flair, found themselves stifled by Bayern’s disciplined setup. The defeat was particularly disheartening for Arsenal, marking a continuation of their challenges in converting possession into scoring opportunities, especially in crucial second-half moments throughout the season.