Real Madrid Get Rid Of Man City In The Drama Adu Penalti In The Champions League

Real Madrid players celebrate their success in qualifying for the Champions League semifinals after beating Manchester City 4-3 on penalties. (realmadrid.com)

JAKARTA - Real Madrid advanced to the semifinals of the Champions League against Bayern Munich after eliminating Manchester City. Madrid won 4-3 (1-1) in a penalty shootout in the second quarter-final match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Thursday, April 18, 2024 in the morning WIB.

Pupus had hoped that Man City would repeat the glory of winning trebles for the second time in a row.

Man City is indeed ambitious to set a record as the first team on earth to win three trophies in one season.

This belief became stronger after Man City took the top spot in the Premier League standings. They also reached the FA Cup semifinals. In that tournament, Chelsea has been waiting for Man City in a duel at Wembley Stadium, Saturday, April 20, 2024 evening WIB.

Man City also advanced to the quarter-finals of the Champions League against Madrid. In the first match at home to Madrid, The Cityzens almost won before drawing 2-2.

This is what makes the defending champion very confident in winning the second match as well as getting rid of Madrid. Especially last season, Man City slaughtered Madrid 4-0.

Even midfielder Bernardo Silva confidently stated that Man City has the opportunity to re-print trebles. Only that statement was immediately denied by manager Pep Guardiola.

Although both have ambitions to win three trophies, Guardiola stated that he can only be sure if Man City goes to the Champions League and FA Cup finals.

However, Bernardo Silva et al forgot when they faced a team that was the ruler of Europe.

Yes, Madrid is the holder of the Champions League record 14 times. A record far ahead of other European clubs such as AC Milan (seven trophies) and Liverpool (six trophies).

Madrid also showed the spirit of never giving up when playing away matches. Last season's crushing defeat had absolutely no effect on the performance of Carlo Ancelotti's team.

Proven in that duel, Los Merengues showed maximum performance. Madrid took the lead when the game had only been running for 12 minutes. Rodrygo scored the goal after his shot was blocked by goalkeeper Ederson.

Only the ball then went wild because Ederson failed to secure it. Rodrygo did not waste the opportunity by immediately grabbing the ball. Score 1-0 to Madrid.

Man City tried to get up and play more aggressively. The match went well even though the hosts were slightly superior in possession.

A good chance was obtained by striker Erling Haaland who welcomed Bernardo Silva's cross. He also excelled in an aerial duel with defender Nacho. However, Haaland's header is still wide.

Furthermore, Haaland again had a chance. This time, the header of the former Borussia Dortmund player bounced slightly over the crossbar.

Man City pressed again even though they never gave a result. There were no more dangerous attacks that resulted in goals from both teams. The score of one goal for Madrid lasted until halftime.

In the second half, Man City played more aggressively. However, their attacks always ran aground in the Los Blancos defense.

But the patience of the home players finally paid off. Man City equalized after De Bruyne broke into Madrid's goal in the 76th minute.

The score changed 1-1 and lasted until the end of the match even though there was an injury time of six minutes. With the aggregate as strong as 4-4, the match continued in extra time.

In that round, Man City midfielder Phil Foden had a golden opportunity. In the 99th minute, he was in a good position to score. But that opportunity was wasted.

There was no goal in that round so the score didn't change. The match continued on penalties. Madrid started badly because the execution of senior player Luka Modric failed. Goalkeeper Ederson managed to anticipate Modric's kick.

Luckily, goalkeeper Andriy Lunin played brilliantly on penalties. He thwarted two executions by Bernado Silva and Mateo Kovacic.

On the other hand, the next four kickers from Madrid, Jude Bellingham, Lucas Vazquez, Nacho and Antonio Rudiger managed to complete the execution. Madrid also won 4-3 (1-1).

In the semifinals, Madrid faced Bayern Munich who eliminated Arsenal 1-0. The victory put Bayern ahead 3-2 on aggregate.

With the failure of Man City and Arsenal, there will be no English Premier League representatives in the Champions League semi-finals.

On the other hand, the German Bundesliga sent two representatives to the top four. Apart from Bayern, there is Borussia Dortmund who will face Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinals.