Real Madrid Edges Manchester City To Secure Champions League Final

Posted by: Kyeyune Andrew Jonathan in International football May 5, 2022

Manchester City suffered one of the most remarkable Champions League collapses as Real Madrid came back from the abyss to set up a final showdown with Liverpool.

On Aggregate, City had a two-goal lead in the 90th minute after Riyad Mahrez’s strike had added to their 4-3 first-leg win last week. But then, Rodrygo happened.

With Real’s first shot on target, the Brazilian substitute turned home Karim Benzema’s left-wing ball from close range in the final minute.

And 90 seconds later he leveled the tie with a header into the top corner after Marco Asensio flicked on Dani Carvajal’s cross. That sent an already rowdy Bernabeu into absolute euphoria.

Manchester City, after thinking they had secured a second consecutive all-English Champions League final, was shell-shocked. Both sides had chances to win the tie before the full-time whistle.

Ederson denied Rodrygo a quick-fire hat-trick and then an unmarked Phil Foden fired over inside the box.

At the end of probably the greatest Champions League semi-final ever, it is Real Madrid that got the decisive goal.

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. There is no doubt it is the most important.

That sets up a repeat of the most memorable Champions League final of recent years, when Real beat Liverpool 3-1 in 2018.

For City and manager Pep Guardiola now, the Premier League title – they sit one point above Liverpool with four games to go – appears to be their only target.

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