Defending champions Manchester City were eliminated from the Champions League when Real Madrid won the penalty shootout.

The result after 2 official matches was 4-4, extra time could not resolve this match, a penalty shootout was needed . Former Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot after Real goalkeeper Andriy Lunin blocked efforts from Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic. Below are 5 highlights from the match.

No consecutive trebles

Manchester City will still be tormenting themselves for losing this match while they created dominance against the greatest team on the continent. Madrid was a bit luckier, and Man City “only” had the Premier League and FA Cup championships left to fight for in the 2023/24 season. They won a historic treble last season and were highly expected to repeat that achievement this season, but they failed.

Eliminating Man City, Real welcomes worries before El Clasico

Penalty brainstorming, Man City becomes former C1 king

 Man City cannot defend the C1 throne.

Jude Bellingham’s touch

Real’s opening goal came in the 12th minute, starting from Bellingham. He skillfully touched the ball to control a long ball and pushed it past Valverde. The ball was passed to Vinicius so he could assist  Rodrygo to score. Special players always create big moments.

Question mark John Stones

Bellingham’s moment of genius gave Man City a chance to open the scoring, but for their part, the home team made their own mistakes when both Rodri and Manuel Akanji left the central area empty. With a squad almost completely healthy, it was surprising to see John Stones sidelined.

Guardiola admitted that Stones was not injured when he missed the win over Luton last weekend, but he also added that he was experiencing some minor problems. He did not want to risk using this player until the second half of extra time, but at this point there was nothing to change.

Man City cannot rest

Real’s use of quick, direct passes has caused problems for City, especially in the first half. Guardiola’s side have often struggled to counter counter-attacks this season, something that has plagued their opponents in the first half. Water took advantage whenever they got the ball, and their lack of pace is something that may need to be rectified early in the summer.

 Real Madrid won thanks to its class.

Class is forever

Still in the first half, Real initially appeared hesitant, with attack after attack from Man City raining down on them. Although Haaland did not score, he finished tirelessly. The difference in intensity between the two sides could be seen as the game progressed, with Real losing the ball far too easily.

The score was 33-8 in favor of the home team after 120 minutes of play. It was clear that Real relied on their European Cup skills to try to overcome the challenge, while City believed in the quality of their squad. and their home turf. In the end, class won.