As the final penalty from Antonio Rudiger beat Ederson to book Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League semi-final date with Bayern Munich, one thing was clear after 120 minutes of football at the Etihad. Manchester City did all they could to beat Real Madrid.
Manchester City couldn’t do anymore outside of putting away their chances, which was a factor that ultimately ended City’s Champions League campaign. Pep Guardiola’s side crashed out of the competition after a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to Real Madrid after the tie ended 4-all on aggregate after a 1-all draw last night.
After Real Madrid opened the scoring in the 12th-minute through Rodrygo Manchester City dominated their illustrious opponents. Pep Guardiola’s side dominated possession and created a plethora of chances. The world champions were held at bay despite their dominance by a Real Madrid wall at the back. Carlo Ancelotti’s side deserves credit for this and their application to the task at hand. But despite this, the treble winners should have won the game in normal time or in extra time.
As the match statistics indicate, Pep Guardiola’s side dominated the vast majority of last night’s game. They had Real Madrid pinned back deep in their own half as they pressed for an equaliser. Up until Kevin De Bruyne’s 76th-minute equaliser, it did feel that it may not be City’s night as chance after chance was squandered by Pep Guardiola’s side. Following that goal, it looked like there would only be one winner as Manchester City pressed on for a winner. But after De Bruyne fired over 4 minutes later, the inescapable feeling that a penalty shootout loomed to settle the enthralling quarter-final tie set in.
But try as they might, Manchester City couldn’t find a winner. After Bernardo Silva saw his penalty saved in the shootout by Andriy Lunin, it was clear that momentum had swung in Real Madrid’s favour. Carlo Ancelotti’s side didn’t let the chance pass them by as they ended City’s Champions League defence with a 4-3 penalty shootout win.
Speaking post game, Pep Guardiola had no regrets over his sides performance. He told the media: “Congratulations to Real Madrid – they defended so deep with incredible solidarity. We did everything. I don’t have any regrets about what we have done.”
Guardiola added: “We did everything, defensively and offensively. They made a good goal. There were two, three, four transitions, but it is normal at that level with the quality they have. We played exceptionally in all departments. Unfortunately, we could not win. It is what it is.”
Manchester City did all they could to beat Real Madrid at the Etihad last night. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be, and that may sting for some time. They must now pick themselves up for Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea.
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