Carlo Ancelotti’s team found a way to win in Europe again, defeating the reigning champions on penalty kicks.

It was always bound to happen. After absorbing 123 minutes of pressure, Real Madrid was going to find a way to defeat Manchester City. And they accomplished exactly that, winning 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw after extra time in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

Andriy Lunin saved two City penalty shots before Antonio Rudiger delivered the decisive blow, advancing Los Blancos to their fourth Champions League semi-final.

Madrid took the lead after 13 minutes, when Rodrygo scored on the second attempt following a well-executed counterattack. City responded, though, peppering Lunin’s goal with a succession of well-executed moves of their own, and Erling Haaland came close to equalising with a header off the woodwork.

Pep Guardiola’s side increased the pressure in the second half, and they were rewarded after 30 minutes of hard work. Kevin De Bruyne scored from close range after Jeremy Doku’s cross landed at his feet. The Belgian should have ended the tie shortly after, but he lashed out from inside the box.

Rudiger came closest to winning in extra time, looping a close-range shot over the bar, and penalties were required to resolve the stalemate. Luka Modric’s error was rendered inconsequential by Lunin’s saves from Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic, keeping Madrid’s prospects of a 15th European Cup alive.

Goalkeeper and Defence

Andriy Lunin (8/10):

In the first half, he made a couple of key saves and was gutsy while coming in for crosses. Couldn’t prevent De Bruyne’s goal, but made two stops in the shootout. Hero.

Daniel Carvajal (5/10):

In a tense duel with Grealish. When Doku entered the game, he appeared fatigued and was exploited for City’s equaliser. When he was substituted in the second half, he was ecstatic.

Antonio Rudiger (8/10):

Charged with playing the ‘Haaland killer’ once more. He did most of his work well, but his bad clearance gave City the equalizer. Blasted over in extra time with a chance to win, but the deciding penalty was converted.

Nacho (7/10):

Was clearly targeted by Haaland, whom he handled admirably in the first half. Early in the second, he nearly scored on himself. He took his punishment well.

Ferland Mendy (6/10):

Didn’t have much to do in the first half, but made some important interventions later. To be fair, the majority of the football was played down the other wing.

Midfield

Eduardo Camavinga (6/10):

He was a little wasteful in possession, but he did an adequate job defensively.

Federico Valverde 7/10:

Full of legs in middle, efficiently closing down spaces. Took goal kicks early in the game for some reason.

Tony Kroos (7/10):

Calm under pressure, even if he barely had time to breathe. Some of his passing was wonderful, as is customary. I grew tired as the game progressed.

Jude Bellingham (8/10):

His first touch in the buildup to Madrid’s opener was magnificent. I relieved pressure with several nice touches and made a few crucial tackles. I took an icy-cold pen. Is the Ballon d’Or on its way?

Attack

Vinicius Junior (6/10):

Rodrygo’s first goal was set up by a pass. Following then, there was very little involvement. Subbed out in extra time. Ancelotti will hope he is not hurt.

Rodrygo (6/10):

He took the opener beautifully and enjoys playing in England! Has now scored four goals against Manchester City.

Subs & Manager

Luka Modric(7/10):

Not a bad sub to bring in. The majority of his labor was defensive, however. I surprisingly missed his pen.

Brahim Diaz (6/10):

Rodrygo had late legs. It was a good decision to keep possession on a couple occasions.

Lucas Vazquez (6/10):

He scored his pen. Doku wore me out.

Eder Militao (7/10):

Carvajal was replaced as he became weary. He held his own at right-back.

Carlo Ancelotti (8 out of 10):

Given Tchouameni’s absence, he went with his strongest side. Madrid started brightly but quickly suffered defeat. Nonetheless, it didn’t matter. Isn’t he an unavoidable presence in the Champions League?