Real Madrid to Face Bayern Munich in Champions League Semifinals
Dramatic Victory over Manchester City
WEB CNN Real Madrid secured a thrilling victory over Manchester City in a tense penalty shootout on Wednesday, earning their place in the Champions League semifinals. The match ended in a 2-2 draw after extra time, with Real Madrid ultimately prevailing 4-3 on penalties. This triumph sets up a tantalizing semifinal clash with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
First-Half Dominance for Real Madrid
Real Madrid started the match brightly, controlling possession and creating several scoring chances. Their first shot on target came in the 24th minute, and it proved to be a decisive one. Toni Kroos played a stellar pass to Vinicius Junior, who coolly slotted the ball into the net to give Real Madrid an early lead.
However, Bayern Munich responded well to the setback and gradually gained a foothold in the match. They equalized in the 53rd minute when Leroy Sane unleashed a rocket of a shot into the top corner of the net. The goal energized Bayern Munich, and they continued to press for a winner, but Real Madrid held firm.
Second-Half Comeback from Bayern Munich
The second half continued to be a tight affair, with both teams having chances to break the deadlock. Bayern Munich came close in the 77th minute when Robert Lewandowski's header hit the post, and Real Madrid's Karim Benzema also had a good opportunity but was denied by Manuel Neuer.
The match went into extra time, and Bayern Munich took the lead for the first time in the 105th minute. Joshua Kimmich delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, and Benzema rose highest to nod the ball past Thibaut Courtois. Real Madrid showed great resilience, and they equalized just three minutes later through Rodrygo Goes.
Penalty Shootout Drama
With the scores level after extra time, the match went to a penalty shootout. Real Madrid converted all four of their penalties, while Manchester City missed one, handing the victory to the Spanish giants. Thibaut Courtois was the hero for Real Madrid, saving Riyad Mahrez's penalty to seal the win.
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