Real Madrid advanced to the Champions League semifinals with a “beautiful” penalty shootout victory over Manchester City, which was cherished by Jude Bellingham. Conversely, Pep Guardiola lamented the holders’ missed opportunities in the contest.

City equalized Rodrygo’s early opener at the Etihad Stadium with Kevin De Bruyne, but it was clear that City were the more dominant team on Wednesday night, as they recorded 33 attempts to Real’s eight and an Expected Goals total of 2.73 to their opponents’ 1.4.

Nevertheless, spot-kicks from Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic were saved, while Antonio Rudiger converted the deciding penalty that advanced Real Madrid to the round of sixteen and avenged their semi-final loss to City from the previous campaign.

“Having cоmpeted against City, there have been times when yоu thоught yоu had a chance and were оn the verge оf securing a victоry, оnly tо have them snаtch it away.” Extreme effоrt is required tо defeat them. Victоry in the tоurnament was an enоrmоus reward.

“It is beyоnd belief. Such mоme𝚗ts pоssess a magical quality; the key is in the frame оf mind. It is awe-inspiring when minute details are executed perfectly and thоse times, such as during penalties, when the yоung me𝚗 maintain their cоmpоsure, оccur. This was quite lоvely.

“Today marks the inaugural occasion that my sibling has had the opportunity to witness me in action for Real Madrid. I am extremely pleased with that.”

Guardiola was philosophical about his team’s defeat, but he could not help but feel that, given the number of opportunities his squad generated, the stalemate should have been resolved prior to the shootout.

“First and foremost, congratulations to Real Madrid,” Guardiola declared in the aftermath.

“We accomplished everything; I have no regrets.” You, as a manager, strive ceaselessly to acquiesce and increase creation. One, two, or three transitions occurred, which is to be expected. We performed admirably in every discipline. Unfortunately, victory was beyond our reach. Indeed, that is the case.

“They defended more deeply today compared to previous seasons.” We generated opportunities. However, the purpose of football is to score goals. Regarding penalty kicks, they performed marginally better than we did. You may or may not prevail when penalties are assessed. “Had we played in that manner, we ought to have accomplished it earlier.”

Guardiola affirmed that the substitutions of De Bruyne, Manuel Akanji, and Erling Haaland at the conclusion of regulation time and extra time, respectively, were in response to player requests. “Erling and Kevin requested my presence,” he disclosed. “They were unable to proceed.” Similar to Manu.”

Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final at Wembley against Chelsea provides little time to reflect on this loss. Although the treble has been forfeited, they still have the ability to attain the double. Recovery is less difficult following a victory than it is following a defeat. “Such is the circumstance.”

At the conclusion of the shootout, City center-back Dias expressed his dissatisfaction, stating that Real, who had been on the back foot for the preponderance of the match, ultimately benefited.