Man City after the defeat, now have the PL title to defend, as they currently sit a point above Liverpool with 4 matches to go
By Kehinde Okeowo
Man Citys’ elusive search for the UEFA Champions League title continued after Real Madrid came from behind to beat them 3-1 at the Stadio Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night and proceeded to the final on 6-5 aggregate.
The visitors were two goals ahead on aggregate going into the 90th minute after Riyad Mahrez’s strike had added to their 4-3 first-leg win last week at the Etihad.
Madrid then rallied back when substitute Rodrygo turned home Karim Benzema’s left-wing ball from close range in the 90th minute – with Real’s very first shot on target.
A minute later, the Brazilian scored a brace and levelled the tie with a header into the top corner after Marco Asensio flicked on Dani Carvajal’s cross.
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The goal sent an already rowdy Bernabeu crowd into absolute ecstasy and City, who must have thought they had booked a ticket for an all-English Champions League final, in Paris were shell-shocked.
Both sides had chances to settle the match before the full-time whistle. Ederson denied Rodrygo a quick-fire hat-trick and then an unmarked Phil Foden fired over inside the box.
But it was Madrid who got the decisive goal in extra time, in what is arguably one of the greatest Champions League semi-finals ever.
Benzema beat Ruben Dias to a loose ball in the box and was brought down by the City defender. He stepped up to take the penalty himself and scored his 43rd goal of the season in the process.
Real’s Thibaut Courtois, who was by far the busier keeper, tipped away Foden’s header with Fernandinho inches away from scoring the rebound – but Madrid held on to ensure it did not go to penalties.
Madrid with the win set up a showdown with Liverpool in Paris, in what appears to be a repeat of the 2018 Champions League finals.
City on the other hand, now have the Premier League title to defend, as they currently sit a point above Liverpool with 4 matches to go.
