Manchester City’s hopes of regaining the Champions League were dashed following a stunning penalty shootout defeat to Real Madrid.
Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic both missed penalties as City lost 4-3 on penalties following a thrilling quarter-final encounter that finished 4-4 on aggregate.
Rodrygo gave Real an early lead in the second leg at the Etihad Stadium, but City dominated the rest of the game and, after creating numerous chances, finally tied the game in the 76th minute with Kevin De Bruyne’s goal.
De Bruyne squandered a good chance to win the tie in normal time, and Erling Haaland had already hit the crossbar, but the competition’s record 14-time champions eventually won.
It was harsh on City, who had immediately set out their stall to dominate possession.
Despite their control, however, the hosts looked vulnerable to the counter-attack and were caught out after 12 minutes.
Jude Bellingham brilliantly controlled a high ball with the outside of his foot and found Federico Valverde, who in turn fed Vinicius Junior in the box.
Vinicius pulled back for Rodrgyo and, although Ederson did well to beat out his powerful first-time shot, he could do nothing to deny his fellow Brazilian on the rebound.
City stepped up the tempo in response and created a host of chances.
Haaland sent a header against the bar and Silva missed the rebound before De Bruyne forced Andriy Lunin to save from 25 yards.
Jack Grealish twice went close with two efforts deflected wide and De Bruyne had two attempts on goal direct from corners, with Lunin palming both over.
Rüdiger sends Real Madrid to the semi-finals! 🎯#UCL pic.twitter.com/Vl20j70qV1
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 17, 2024
Phil Foden also missed the target as City maintained their pressure, but Josko Gvardiol had to block a Dani Carvajal shot to prevent Real from scoring a second on the break.
City began the second half brightly, and Nacho had to scamper clear of the line with Haaland lurking following a mix-up in the Real box.
However, Foden could only muster a weak effort at Lunin, and there were signs of dissatisfaction as the game entered the hour mark, with Pep Guardiola attempting to rally the supporters.
City surged on, with Grealish firing at Lunin, and their tenacity paid off when Antonio Rudiger could only half-clear a cross from substitute Jeremy Doku, and De Bruyne tapped in the loose ball.
With the crowd invigorated, City pressed the pace, and De Bruyne blasted a dipping shot narrowly wide before skying an even better opportunity.
Rudiger scores. Our #UCL journey comes to an end.
🩵 | ✅❌❌✅✅
⚫️ | ❌✅✅✅✅#ManCity | #UCL— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 17, 2024
City applied pressure until the conclusion of normal time, but could not break past Real’s strong defence.
Haaland was substituted for extra time, and Foden squandered a good opportunity when he miskicked in front of goal.
Real assaults were uncommon, although Kyle Walker, making an excellent comeback from injury, rushed back to stop Vinicius from escaping, and Rudiger missed a chance.
It came down to penalties, and while Ederson saved Luka Modric for City, Lunin denied Silva and Kovacic, allowing Real to advance.
