The defending Champions took on Real Madrid on the grandest stage of the Champions League. Where the match was held at the Etihad Stadium and the atmosphere favored City. The fans booed at Real Madrid players when they showed up at the stadium. As the first-half whistle blew, the away side team Real Madrid had never won against City at their home. It could be their greatest challenge to beat them at the Etihad.
The Madrid side had a lot of unfavorable conditions where they would receive straight boos at them. Before the match, everyone’s prediction was on the side of Man City. Even the English pundits sided with Man City beating Real Madrid and advancing to the semis.
Man City to Look After Their Squad for the Clash
Man City made some changes in the squad like they brought in Ederson, Kevin De Bruyne, and Kyle Walker into the pitch as they needed a hand to advance themselves into the semis. The last game was against Man City and Real Madrid where they tied 3-3, as the conclusion between the two sides remained unanswered to be continued for the second round.
The First Half Begins
Real Madrid had the perfect start to close in the goal as Jude Bellingham controlled the tempo with his composure and his quick feet passes to Valverde who crossed the ball but missed by Rodrygo yet scored in the second attempt to draw the first blood for Madrid. After the goal the possession and the control of the game were mainly taken by Man City. Few of the shots were taken against Real Madrid’s side and Lunin with those saves helped Madrid to maintain their lead till the first half.
Second half
The second half began with City with the control of the ball. The ball was easily rotated by Man City helped them to maintain a huge possession of 68 percent and a few shots on target. Man City had a humongous passing ability which they used against Madrid where they covered 920 passes against the visiting side. In the 76th minute, Kevin De Bryune scored a goal which was an equalising goal by an error made by Rudiger.
The control of the possession was mainly done by Man City, where they attempted to shoot or cross but got deflected by Rudiger or Mendy. The defense play of Madrid was the only factor that was keeping them alive at any cost. Although the game played by Madrid when they had the ball was given to the backside of the squad to the defense and didn’t allow themselves to play ahead of the game.
Vini Jr was sloppy in the wing as he couldn’t make the run and was only denied by Kyle Walker who missed the chance to attempt to score a goal. Somehow it came to the extra time where Madrid managed to survive the City’s wrath and pace of possession and swift passes. However, in the extra time of the second half, Madrid managed to take City’s game for granted which led to the penalties.
Lunin Heroics Advances Real Madrid to the Semis
Andriy Lunin was in charge for Madrid to save penalties against City, whereas the Ukrainian Goalkeeper was new to this atmosphere. Julian Alvarez took the first penalty which he scored, the next penalty taker for Madrid was Luka Modric who missed the penalty by Ederson. The next penalty taker for Man City was Bernardo Silva who gave the ball into the hands of Lunin after a terrible shot, Bellingham then came in and scored the goal, and slotted it towards the left side of the goalkeeper.
Mateo Kovacic then came in and missed the penalty as well which gave Lunin an advantage to close to the victory. After a while during the time for the winning penalty, Rudiger came in and bought Real Madrid a huge victory for the team to close in towards the victory.
The time is over for City as Real Madrid defeats Manchester City for the first time in the Etihad Stadium.
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Ayush is a passionate football player. His childhood club is Real Madrid and his in-depth analysis of the sport and knowledge is phenomenal. He also watches combat sports and is enthusiastic about it. His creativity and his quick thinking ability make him more charismatic in this field.
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