da fazobetai： Carlo Ancelotti's side found a way to win in Europe again, beating the reigning champions on spot-kicks

da doce： It was always going to happen. Somehow, after soaking up 123 minutes of pressure, Real Madrid were going to find a way to beat Manchester City. And they did just that, winning on penalties, 4-3, following a 1-1 stalemate after extra-time in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

Andriy Lunin played hero on the night, saving two City spot-kicks, before Antonio Rudiger delivered the decisive blow, sending Los Blancos into a fourth-straight Champions League semi-final.

Madrid took the lead after 13 minutes, as Rodrygo fired home at the second time of asking after a well-constructed counter-attack. City offered a response, though, peppering Lunin's goal with a series of well-constructed moves of their own, and Erling Haaland came closest to equalising as he directed a header off the woodwork.

Pep Guardiola's side piled the pressure on in the second half, and after 30 minutes of toil, they were rewarded. Kevin De Bruyne grabbed the goal, turning home from close-range after Jeremy Doku's cross fell kindly to his feet. The Belgian should have killed the tie soon after, but lashed over from inside the box.

Rudiger came closest to finding a winner in extra-time, hooking an effort over the bar from close-range, and penalties were needed to decide the tie. Luka Modric's miss was rendered irrelevant, as Lunin's saved from Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic to keep Madrid's hopes of a 15th European Cup on track.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from the Etihad…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Andriy Lunin (8/10):

Made a couple of important stops in the first half, and was brave coming for crosses. Couldn't do anything about De Bruyne's goal, but made two saves in the shootout. Hero.

Dani Carvajal (5/10):

Engaged in a gripping duel with Grealish. Looked tired when Doku came on, and was exploited for City's equaliser. Exhuasted when subbed in the second half.

Antonio Rudiger (8/10):

Charged with playing 'Haaland killer' once again. Went about most of his work well, but his poor clearance handed City their equaliser. Blasted over in extra-time with a chance to win it, but banged home the deciding penalty.

Nacho (7/10):

Was clearly targeted by Haaland, who he handled fairly well in the first half. Almost turned one into his own net early in the second. Took his penalty well.

Ferland Mendy (6/10):

Didn't have much to do in the first half, but provided some timely interventions thereafter. Most of the football came down the other wing, in fairness.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Eduardo Camavinga (6/10):

Pretty wasteful in possession, but did his job defensively.

Federico Valverde (7/10):

Full of legs in midfield, and closed down spaces effectively. Took goal-kicks early in the game, for some reason.

Toni Kroos (7/10):

Calm under pressure, even if he barely had a second to breathe. Some of his passing was wonderful, as usual. Tired as the game wore on.

Jude Bellingham (8/10):

His first touch in the build up to Madrid's opener was a delight. Alleviated pressure with some smart touches, and put in a few timely tackles. Took an ice-cold pen. Ballon d'Or incoming?

Getty ImagesAttack

Vinicius Jr (6/10):

Played the pass that set up Rodrygo's opener. Scarcely involved thereafter. Subbed off in extra-time. Ancelotti will hope he's not injured.

Rodrygo (6/10):

Took the opener well – he loves playing in England! Has now scored four goals against Man City.

Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Luka Modric (7/10):

Not a bad sub to bring on. Most of his work was defensive, though. Missed his pen, improbably.

Brahim Diaz (6/10):

Late legs for Rodrygo. Did well to hang onto possession on a few occasions.

Lucas Vazquez (6/10):

Scored his pen. Run ragged by Doku.

Eder Militao (7/10):

Replaced the tired Carvajal. Held his own at right-back.

Carlo Ancelotti (8/10):

Went for his strongest side, given the circumstances of having Tchouameni out. Madrid started well, but were battered soon after. Still, it didn't matter. Inevitable in the Champions League, isn't he?