Real Madrid overcame challenges, quieted the home crowd, and ended Manchester City’s brief Champions League reign. With a 4-3 victory on penalties at the Etihad Stadium, the European giants edged closer to their potential 15th Champions League title, a competition they have historically dominated.
Despite City’s resilient defense of their title, Madrid secured their spot in the semifinals for the fourth consecutive year, preventing City from achieving the same milestone.
Carlo Ancelotti, Madrid’s coach, emphasized the club’s resilient spirit, stating, “Madrid thrives in challenging situations, always finding a way out. As the penalty shootout approached, we were confident of progressing.”
Ancelotti, a four-time Champions League-winning coach, aims to further his record by securing a third title with Madrid, surpassing Guardiola’s tally.
Guardiola, on the other hand, faces disappointment after City failed to defend their title, ending his 12-year quest for another Champions League victory. He praised his team’s efforts but acknowledged the importance of winning in football.
This match marked the third consecutive season these two football giants met in the Champions League, with the victor going on to clinch the title in the past two years.
In other matches, Bayern Munich kept their trophy hopes alive, while Bayern’s consistent performance against Arsenal in Champions League knockouts continued. Bayern’s head coach, Thomas Tuchel, acknowledged Arsenal’s elite status but noted their lack of experience in high-stakes knockout games.
The semifinal matchups are set, with Bayern Munich facing Real Madrid and Paris Saint Germain clashing with Borussia Dortmund. The semifinals are scheduled for April 30th and May 1st.