For the fifth consecutive season, Manchester City will meet Real Madrid in the Champions League.
In the past decade, Manchester City has risen as a significant competitor in Europe, establishing themselves as a strong rival to Real Madrid, known as the champions of the Champions League. Four of the last five finals have included either Manchester City or Real Madrid.
Recent matches have been exciting, showcasing thrilling moments and building what has become a notable rivalry. Here are five key moments that have shaped the encounters between these teams.
Five key moments in the Man City and Real Madrid rivalry
Benzema’s Panenka lifts Madrid
The two teams played an unforgettable match in the semi-finals of the 2021/22 season.
In the first leg at the Etihad, Manchester City started strong, taking a two-goal lead in just 11 minutes thanks to Kevin De Bruyne and Gabriel Jesus. However, Karim Benzema responded for Madrid before halftime.
After goals from Phil Foden and Vinicius Junior, City’s Bernardo Silva extended the lead again. With only eight minutes left, a handball by Aymeric Laporte led to a penalty for Madrid.
🗣️ Benzema: “I had been practising the ‘Panenka’ for a long time and I was just waiting for the right moment, in a match like that, where there is a lot of pressure.”#UCL | #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/AzFZy8Nh6a
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 18, 2022
Benzema calmly executed a Panenka that caught Ederson off guard, creating a tense atmosphere for the return match.
Rodrygo’s late equalizer
In the second leg, Real Madrid staged one of the most remarkable comebacks in Champions League history.
With City leading 5-3 on aggregate and just minutes left in the match, Rodrygo, who came on as a substitute, scored twice in quick succession, equalizing the match and forcing extra time.
City was caught off guard, and in extra time, Benzema’s penalty secured Real’s progression to the final.
Stunning scenes at the Bernabeu.
City dominates in the rematch
A year later, the two teams met again in the semi-finals. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, they faced off again at the Etihad.
In a remarkable performance, City overwhelmed the defending champions with a 4-0 victory. Bernardo Silva scored twice, and Manuel Akanji and Julian Alvarez added to the tally, showcasing one of the best displays by an English club in the Champions League.
Manchester City proved too strong, securing their place in the final against Inter Milan and marking a significant step in their quest for a treble.
Thrilling six-goal match at the Bernabeu
These clubs have produced exciting matches, and last season’s showdown was no exception, featuring six goals. The lead changed hands multiple times before Federico Valverde’s stunning strike gave Real the edge at home.
Madrid advances on penalties
Real Madrid ended Manchester City’s title defense in the return leg, where the teams could not be separated after a 1-1 draw.
Luka Modric missed the first penalty for Real, giving City an early advantage. However, Bernardo Silva’s poor attempt allowed the shootout to equalize. His chip was easily saved by Andriy Lunin.
Following another save from Lunin against Mateo Kovacic, Antonio Rudiger stepped up to secure Madrid’s spot in the next round.
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