Champions League: Andriy Lunin's Penalty Save Guides Real Madrid To Defeat Man. City To Reach Semi-final

 

Vinicius Jr. celebrates as Real Madrid beat Manchester City in the Champions League quarterfinal

Real Madrid are through to the Champions League semi-final with a thrilling victory against Manchester City after they had played 1-1 (Aggr. 4-4) draw in the quarter-final second-leg tie at  Etihad Stadium. 

Ahead of the game, City were defending the Champions League trophy they won last season on the backdrop of the defeat of the Spaniards in Instabul, and had played 3-3 draw at Bernabue in the first-leg tie, Unfortunately, Real lived up to the task against them at Etihad where they played through extra-time before deciding the game on penalties. 

Rodrygo set the La Liga side ahead steering home his rebound shot after Ederson saved it to his path following a cross from Vinicius Jr. from the left flank. City leveled the scoring in the second half as Jeremy Doku's effort was blocked ny Antonio Rudiger into Kevin de Bruyne's path and smacked the ball into the top corner of the goal, 

Real Madrid player watch as Antonio Rudiger takes the deciding penalty for the side to beat Manchester City

As the game went through the extra-time without any of the sides moving ahead, Real goalkeeper Andriy Lunin saved Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic's penalties and Rudiger scored the deciding spot-kick to guide the Spaniards through.  

The victory would secure Real's place for the team's 12th semi-final appearance in 14 consecutive seasons of the Champions League and they will take on Bayern Munich in their next match. 

Overview 

It was not an easy game for both sides. Even as City were ready to take risks and playing deep into Real halve, they stood the danger of Vinicius and Rodrygo racing into their box. However, having the game not stretched into extra-time is difficult for Real since City were a difficult side to hold off defensively for too long. 

The introduction of Doku really worked out the difference for Pep Guardiola as the winger effectively opened up the left-flank for City to operate through. With the coming of Lucas Modric, Real were able to stem a little City's aggression. Yet, the Premier League side remianed resilient. Great job from Antonio Rudiger for Real in the defence and Kyle Walker brought his experience to the game for City after over a month of injury spell. Exciting game through and through and a well-deserved victory for Real.