Real Madrid traveled to England to play a formidable Man City side. It was an epic showdown at the Etihad. However, it was also a game where Pep Guardiola’s side was a clear favorite. The record shows that the Los Blancos had always struggled against Citizens at the Etihad. The last time the Spanish giants traveled there ended in nightmares for them.
The first leg of the quarter-finals at Madrid ended in a 3-3 draw. This was a scoreline that was unfavorable for the Los Blancos. The scoreline had an implication. To qualify for the semifinals, they had to defeat a formidable City side in their house. It was almost an impossible task against the defending champions. Man City is known to possess a vast array of world-class and exceptional midfielders and forwards.
Somehow Real Madrid had a plan and it worked out.
Real Madrid Subdues Manchester City
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The game started as usual with Man City taking possession of the ball. They dominated every area of the pitch, with the likes of Silva and Rodri spreading the ball around. They tried to carve Real Madrid’s defense open with crosses from De Bruyne. But somehow the Spanish side always had a man clearing the ball from the danger zone.
In no time Madrid had a quick break. Bellingham controlled a high long ball sublimely to allow Valverde and Vinicius Jr to overlap. The results led to Vinicius laying a low cross for unmarked Rodrygo. The Brazilian had a shot that was initially saved by Ederson, but he didn’t miss the rebound. After their goal, Madrid sat back while City struggled.
Haaland hit the post with a header, after an uncleared cross into the area. Man City later found an equalizer in the 76th minute thanks to Rudiger’s poor clearance. But after that, City struggled to find a winner.
They played both halves of the extra time but the City couldn’t solve Madrid’s defensive riddle.
Penalties became a deciding factor. Then Los Blancos took charge. Modric was stopped. But Nacho, Vasquez, and Rudiger scored.
While only Foden, and Ederson score for City.
Real Madrid won 4-3 on penalties.
Tactical Approach from the Spanish Giants
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Real Madrid knew it would be difficult to go end to end with the City. Their best approach was to put on a massive defensive display.
They had Bellingham and Rodrigo running after City’s holding midfielder. This was done to inconvenience Rodri and Silva. And also at the same time, attempt to steal a loose ball from City’s midfielders.
Valverde, Camavinga, Vinicius, and Kroos monitored the city attackers. They stood on the wingers and alongside Bruyne who had a free role.
Haaland was left between Rudiger and Nacho in the back.
The tactical system worked well, with Madrid leaving at least one man behind the keeper to shadow every loose ball, every cross, and all dangerous passes. This worked well for over 120 minutes. Also, Madrid keeper Lunin was very alert with several clutch saves. City struggled to find an answer to Madrid’s defensive display. And they failed in penalty situations.
Madrid’s Legacy in the UCL
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Real Madrid has a solid legacy in the Champions League. They added to that legacy by winning the Champions League 3 years in a row from 2016-2018. Now they still have some great players who had participated in the 3 peat. Their experience and calmness spoke for them at Ethiad.
Real Madrid will face Barcelona this weekend for the 257th ElClassico. A win for them will strengthen their effort to possibly win the La Liga.
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