Real Madrid secured their spot in the UEFA Champions League semifinals after a thrilling two-legged quarter-final tie against Manchester City ended in a penalty shootout victory.
The first leg, held at the Bernabeu, saw both teams play out a thrilling 3-3 draw, setting the stage for an equally intense return leg at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium.
In the second leg, Real Madrid struck early, with Rodrygo putting them ahead. However, Manchester City relentlessly pressed forward and managed to equalise in the 76th minute, forcing the game into extra time and ultimately penalties.
The shootout saw both teams miss crucial penalties, with Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic failing to convert for Manchester City.
Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin emerged as the hero of the night, making a crucial save to deny the City duo.
A footage shows that Real Madrid keeper Andriy Lunin had help from Rudiger who told him where to dive to save Kovacic’s penalty.
Rudiger was seen frantically gesturing to Lunin, indicating the direction in which to dive for Kovacic’s penalty. Following Rudiger’s instructions, Lunin dove low to his right, successfully blocking Kovacic’s shot.
Watch below:
Rudiger did Haram to KOVACIC?all his penalty tricks pic.twitter.com/niKx2EqN1d
— BEIN SPORTS COMMENTARY (@BeinCommentary) April 18, 2024
