Real Madrid beat defending champions Manchester City 4-3 on penalties to reach semi-finals
This victory propels the Spanish powerhouse into the Champions League semi-finals, where they are set to clash with Bayern Munich.
The 14-time European champions secured their spot in the semi-finals for the fourth consecutive time, while also eliminating the defending champions from the competition.
The match began cautiously at the Etihad, a stark contrast to the intense start in the first leg at the Bernabeu.
Despite City scoring first in the previous encounter, Real Madrid took the lead early in East Manchester, with Rodrygo finding the back of the net within 15 minutes to put his team ahead.
City came agonizingly close to equalizing before halftime, with Erling Haaland's header hitting the crossbar. Despite Kevin De Bruyne's powerful attempts, Real Madrid's defense remained resolute.
Pep Guardiola's team intensified their attacks in the second half, testing Andriy Lunin twice early on, but the goalkeeper managed to keep them at bay against Jack Grealish and Phil Foden.
The Etihad Stadium crowd grew frustrated with Real's time-wasting tactics, disrupting the flow of the game.
City's relentless pressure paid off when Jeremy Doku's cross led to an error by Antonio Rudiger, allowing De Bruyne to score.
However, De Bruyne missed a crucial chance to secure victory in regular time. Real Madrid patiently waited for their opportunity, which came in extra time but was squandered by Rüdiger.
The match went to penalties, with Real emerging victorious after Lunin saved shots from Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic.
Rüdiger then converted the winning penalty, sending Real Madrid to the semi-finals against Bayern Munich and edging closer to their 15th European title.
Chris John