It was a captivating night of UEFA Champions League action, as master tacticians put out their armory on the pitch of play.
Frantic night for all teams involved, as it was majorly a tightly contested affair across the two centers.
Bayern Munich 1-0 Arsenal (3-2 on Aggregate)
In Germany, Thomas Tuchel watched his side clinch a place in the semi-final, with Joshua Kimmich scoring the all-important goal in the encounter.
It was a keenly contested Champions League clash at the Allianz Arena, with Arsenal also pulling the strings, hoping for an opportunity to smile.
The biggest opportunity for either side in the opening half fell to Jamal Musiala for Bayern Munich and Gabriel Martinelli for Arsenal.
Musiala moved past several players of the Gunners, as he drove the ball towards the penalty area, but his attempt from range which seemed like it was going towards the top corner was saved by David Raya.
In the 32nd minute, Gabriel Martinelli was fed in the box by Martin Odegaard, and he struck the ball towards goal, but it was pretty much tame and straight to Manuel Neuer.
Joshua Kimmich sends Bayern Munich to UEFA Champions League semi-final
The crucial goal of the game was scored by Kimmich as aforementioned, and it came after Leroy Sane had driven into the penalty area, and subsequently chipped the ball towards the back post.
The ball fell to Guerreiro, who got it out of the box before firing an excellent delivery into the 18, with Joshua Kimmich arriving just in time to power the ball home for Bayern Munich.
The Bavarian giants qualify after two legs to the semi-finals, while Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal crash out at this stage, and their hopes of possibly qualifying for the Club World Cup by winning the UEFA Champions League have gone with the wind.
Manchester City 1-1 Real Madrid (4-4 on Aggregate), (3-4 on penalties)
At the Etihad stadium, Real Madrid were heading to what could have been a defensive masterclass, covering, blocking, repealing, and thwarting the attack of Manchester City, after going ahead in the opening 45.
Rodrygo Goes scored in the 12th minute after Valverde had served the ball to Vinicius who was in an advanced position.
The Brazilian in turn squared the ball into the box and into the path of Rodrygo, whose instant attempt at goal was parried by Ederson.
However, the ball fell back to Rodrygo Goes, with the Brazilian converting the opportunity at the second time of asking.
Manchester City were dominant for major spells of the game, but Real Madrid’s military-like defense looked like it wouldn’t be breached.
Manchester City found it difficult to breach Real Madrid’s defense
City’s starting attacking generals, notably; Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jack Grealish had several opportunities to get Pep Guardiola’s side back in the game before the latter stages, however, Los Blancos stood their ground.
Anyway, in the 76th minute, De Bruyne struck Manchester City level, after Rodri had served the ball to substitute Jeremy Doku.
Doku squared the ball a low cross into the penalty area, with Real Madrid defender Rudiger making the block.
Unfortunately for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, Antonio Rudiger’s block went straight to Kevin De Bruyne, who smashed a scorching shot over goalie Lunin and into the roof of the net.
The game continued in its usual fashion, with Real Madrid being rapid in transition, but laid back, as opposed to Manchester City, who continued to dictate play from side to side.
The Citizens could have nicked it at the tail end of the added time to the 90, with Erling Haaland rising highest to meet a cross off a corner swung in by Kevin De Bruyne.
However, Haaland’s effort went over the bar and that was pretty much the last action in the affair before extra-time.
Both teams battled immensely in the extra 30 minutes of action, with tired legs being visible throughout the half.
Antonio Rudiger’s penalty hands Real Madrid UEFA Champions League quarter-final win over defending champions Manchester City
Anyway, the two sides ended normal time and extra time level, with penalties needed to settle the affair.
Julian Alvarez of Manchester City stepped up to take the opening spot kick and he poked the ball home brilliantly.
Experienced head Luka Modric went up next for Real Madrid, however, he couldn’t beat Ederson in goal for the Cityzens.
Subsequently, Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic witnessed their spot kicks saved by Andriy Lunin, with Los Blancos coming back into the affair confident that they had a chance to win it.
Jude Bellingham converted with ease for Real Madrid, alongside Lucas Vasquez, Nacho Fernandez, and Antonio Rudiger, who scored the defining spot kick of the tie.
Meanwhile, Phil Foden and Ederson Moraes played the remaining spot kicks for Manchester City and they both scored after Bernardo and Kovacic had missed their respective attempts.
Real Madrid secured passage to the semis via penalties, with a show of class being witnessed on the night, they were tactically sound and they displayed their experience as masters of the competition.
Anyway, Manchester City have faltered in the last 8, and they will not be defending the title which they won last season.
