Anglo-Spanish final to be played in Paris, Real sensationally reverse semi-final

After Tuesday’s first edition of the Spanish-English rematch, football fans were treated to a second match between Real Madrid and Manchester City. After the opening shootout, the spectators at the Santiago Bernabeu were treated to more defensive football from the start.

Right from the start, Real Madrid had a chance to equalise the total score of the match, but Benzema headed over the bar. After less than eight minutes, emotions also showed for the first time when a minor scuffle broke out after a foul on Laporte. In general, however, the opening of the match belonged more to the “White Ballet” and a different picture was on display than a week ago.

In the 20th minute, Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also had to go into full action for the first time. Bernardo Silva fired from a volley, but he could not find the recipe for the Belgian goalkeeper. The Citizens refined their play and began to torment the Real Madrid defence. The end of the first half saw several chances for both sides, with Courtois making more saves. Moreover, the Madrid team couldn’t get a shot between the three posts.

Just after about ten seconds of the second half, Real Madrid had a big chance, but Vinicius Jr. couldn’t get his body to line up the finish. And Manchester City continued to confuse the defense in the following minutes. Fortunately for the visitors, the Spanish team couldn’t punish the problems.

After an hour of play, Pep Guardiola’s selection came under pressure again, with the aforementioned Vinicius being the main threat on the other side. And when Real Madrid made their first substitution in the 68th minute, the scoreboard still showed two zeros. A few minutes later, Manchester City had to make a move as Kyle Walker limped off the pitch with a sore ankle.

In the 73rd minute, the net opened up for the first time. After a cross from Bernardo Silva, a pass came down the right side, where Riyad Mahrez fired in. The Algerian’s attempt from the first was saved and the Citizens were within touching distance. Real Madrid had to launch a major offensive to keep their hopes of reaching the Champions League final alive.

But nothing was going right for the White Ballet in attack. Even with ten minutes to go, the home side had not had a single shot on target. And any semblance of action ended in the now-precise defence of the English team. And they weren’t even giving much action to their opponents.

In the 87th minute, the game could have been decided for good. Jack Grealish was twice in action, Ferland Mendy made one save on the goal line, and seconds later Courtois kept hope alive. Already the crowned Spanish champion did not give the impression of a team that had to score two goals.

At the end of regulation time, however, the equalising goal of the rematch did come. Up until then, the visitors’ virtually perfect defence had absolutely failed and Rodgrygo gave the home side hope. And it was soon turned into a huge euphoria. The Brazilian scored for the second time and the game was virtually back on.

The start of extra time was logically dominated by Real, who had the mental edge. And in the 93rd minute, the turning point came. After a foul by Ruben Dias, a penalty was kicked. And Benzema easily converted it. The home team had the advantage in the scoreline.

In extra time, Manchester City saved their biggest action until the very end. Foden’s header was cleared by Thibaut Courtois, Fernandihn’s finish missing by inches. The team from the Spanish capital was 15 minutes away from advancing.

The visitors couldn’t create too many more chances. And Real held on to their lead without too much trouble. In the end, the visitors still tried to apply pressure, but unlike their opponents, they again showed their inexperience in handling tough matches in the Champions League.

Real Madrid won 3-1 after extra time and will play Liverpool for the title. The Champions League final is scheduled for Saturday 28 May in Paris at 21::00.

Source: UEFA