How Real Madrid Outlasted Man City in Champions League Epic

Man City threw everything they had at Real Madrid but it still wasn’t enough to defeat the 14-time Champions League winners. Pep Guardiola’s men enjoyed over 80% possession and had 33 shots to Los Blancos’ meagre 8, but failed to convert their dominance into goals during normal and extra time. Real Madrid defended resolutely under immense pressure to force a penalty shootout.

Time and again Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin came to the rescue with superb saves to keep his side in the tie. Meanwhile, the likes of Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne spurned good chances for City. With the clock ticking down, the tie seemed destined for penalties until de Bruyne’s late equaliser sent the game to extra time. Real Madrid had shown their experience and winning mentality was still intact.

Lunin the Hero

In the shootout, it was Lunin who emerged the hero, saving from Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic to help Real Madrid to a 4-3 victory on penalties. Despite their dominance, City’s profligacy in front of goal came back to haunt them and it was the Spanish giants who marched on. Once more, Real Madrid had underlined their status as the kings of Europe with their never-say-die attitude in the face of adversity.

While City can be proud of their efforts, Real Madrid taught them and the rest of Europe an important lesson – you’re never out of a Champions League tie until the final whistle. Carlo Ancelotti will now prepare his battle-hardened troops for a semi-final clash with Bayern Munich, looking to take another step closer to a record-extending 15th European crown. Once again, the name Real Madrid lived up to its reputation as the biggest of the big guns in club football.