Condemned to win after a magnificent first leg at the Etihad Stadium, won by Manchester City (4-3), Real Madrid, still trailing in the 90th, entered a little more into the legend of the C1 after having snatched his qualification in extra time (3-1).
Very present from the start of the match, the Merengues offer themselves a first situation in the 4th minute, with a header from Karim Benzema, found full axis by Dani Carvajal, sent above Ederson's goal.
The French international did it again a few minutes later, but his volley with his left foot, on a cross delivered by Federico Valverde, finished, there too, above the frame (12th).
Manchester City reacted to the minute with a violent strike from Belgian Kevin De Bruyne, well captured by his compatriot Thibaut Courtois (15th).
Hardly impressed by their opponents, the Merengue try a new incursion, but this time it is Vinicius Junior who sends the ball well above the goal of Citizens.
After the Madrid attackers, it was Thibaut Courtois who distinguished himself by authoritatively deflecting a shot from close to Bernardo Silva, ideally served, right side, by Kevin de Bruyne.
A big opportunity that gives ideas to Pep Guardiola's men who camp in the Real camp and try their luck again, but this time Gabriel Jesus' shot misses the right post of the Madrid goalkeeper (23rd).
The Spaniards fought back with a free kick from the German artificer Toni Kroos which passed right next to the right corner of Ederson (26th).
The intensity of the debates drops for about ten minutes, until a foul by Kyle Walker, who in a duel with Vinicius Junior, elbows the Brazilian winger near the surface, not whistled by the very indulgent Italian referee Daniele Orsato (37th).
The Citizens are doing well and are moving forward, with a volley from the right of the English prodigy Phil Foden, about twenty meters away, diverted by the Belgian goalkeeper of Real (40th).
When the referee whistles for half-time, Real, which has not targeted any of its 5 shots, is still eliminated.
A crazy end to the second period
Barely ten seconds into the second half, Los Blancos missed an incredible chance clumsily squandered at the far post by Vinicius Junior who missed the target from close range after an ideal serve from Dani Carvajal.
A golden opportunity which did not discourage the brand new champions of Spain and Luka Modric who sow panic in the Mancunian defense which takes away the danger laboriously in the 53rd, as well as in the 55th, after a new raid from Vinicius Junior, as untenable as imprecise.
A memorable strike from our magician @Mahrez22 🪄🎩
⚪️ 0-1 🔵 #ManCity pic.twitter.com/X9vWdaXfYM
— Manchester City (@ManCityFra) May 4, 2022
While a false rhythm has settled in the match, Manchester City finds the fault in the 73rd and opens the door even wider to the final thanks to a goal from Ryad Mahrez.
Shifted to the right by Bernardo Silva, himself perfectly served in the center by Ilkay GĂĽndogan who had just replaced Kevin De Bruyne, the Algerian international takes Thibaud Courtois on the wrong foot with an uncontrolled shot with his left foot.
Back to the wall and pushed the people of Madrid fail to get back into the game.
Worse, it is the Belgian goalkeeper of Real who prevents the English from scoring a new goal on a sudden strike from Joao Cancelo.
A few moments later, it was the Frenchman Ferland Mendy who miraculously saved his team by releasing a shot from the newcomer Jack Grealish (86th) on his line.
The English striker tries his luck again a few moments later, but stumbles on Thibaud Courtois (87th).
EL HOMBRE CHAMPIONS pic.twitter.com/dqQqvz0Pyn
— Real Madrid CF (@realmadrid) May 4, 2022
While City thought they were heading quietly to the final, Rodrygo came to give Real Madrid hope by scoring a crucial goal in the 90th.
Served by Karim Benzema, the Brazilian, who started the match on the bench, scores with his right foot.
The public at the Santiago-Bernabéu began to believe it again, especially after a new goal from Rodrygo two minutes later, heading in a cross from Dani Carvajal!
Benzema puts Real in orbit
Direction extensions for Merengue and Citizens KO.
Galvanized by their comeback, the Merengue quickly obtained a penalty by Karim Benzema, mowed down in the area by Ruben Dias.
The home scorer carried out the sentence by taking Ederson, who left on his right, on the wrong foot, and gave an unexpected advantage a few minutes earlier (96th).
This is the 15th goal of the season in the Champions League for the French international, who is replaced in the 105th.
By leading 3 goals to 1, it is Real who are qualified at this moment of the match!
NUNCA QUISE TO NADIE TANTO pic.twitter.com/uuSM8xd62N
— Real Madrid CF (@realmadrid) May 4, 2022
Although dominated by their opponents, Man City were on the verge of coming back to score, a few seconds before half-time.
On a cross from Joao Cancelo, right side, Phil Foden places a header which forces Thibaud Courtois to make a decisive save on his right.
In ambush behind his back, the Brazilian Fernandinho fails to frame.
In the second period, the Merengue were content to manage their small advantage until the final whistle synonymous with qualification.
At the Stade de France, on May 28, they will play their 17th C1 final against Liverpool.
Legendary.
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