Real Madrid eventually put an end to Manchester City’s fleeting hold on the Champions League by weathering the storm and husheing the fans. Following a 4-3 victory on penalties on Wednesday at Etihad Stadium, the all-time kings of Europe took a step closer to securing a record-extending 15th trophy in the league they have dominated.
After seeing his squad thrash Madrid and then give up the trophy it had won for the first time the previous season, Pep Guardiola has to start over. The match had finished 1-1 on the evening and 4-4 overall, putting the outcome in doubt heading into a shootout.
After falling behind to a goal from Rodrygo in the 12th minute, City controlled the majority of the chances and only needed Kevin de Bruyne’s equaliser in the 76th to prove their superiority. During extra time, City had 18 corners compared to Madrid’s one and 64% of the possession.