Real Madrid did it again: Spain’s record champions were already on the verge of being eliminated from the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea in the previous rounds – but they also made an incredible comeback against Manchester City. After the 3: 4 in the first leg in England, Real forced the English leaders to their knees 3: 1 after extra time.
Unsurprisingly, Karim Benzema was the guarantor of promotion: the French team striker confidently converted a penalty in the 95th minute. It was the 43rd goal for the 34-year-old in the 43rd competitive game of the season. He was successful 15 times in the “premier class”, ten times in the knockout phase. Even more important was the lightning double pack within 88 seconds by Joker Rodyrgo (90′, 91′), who was only substituted on in the 68th minute, and which just prevented the elimination after regular time.
After the title triple in the years 2016 to 2018, Real is again fighting for the most important European Cup trophy, which the record champion has already won 13 times. The second English final in a row was prevented after Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Manchester City 2021, even though the Premier League leader looked like the promoted team after a goal by Riyad Mahrez (73rd).
Benzema needed ramp-up time
Due to the defeat in the first leg, Real were forced to do more on the offensive and found the game strong. Ironically, Benzema, who was so accurate recently, hadn’t set his sights correctly on a header (4th) and a shot from twelve meters (12th). In addition, Vinicius Junior also missed the goal (18th). As the first half progressed, the English were able to improve and the opening goal was in the air. Thibaut Courtois made a save when Bernardo Silva shot into the near post (20′). Gabriel Jesus (23′) shot wide and Phil Foden (40′) also missed out on Real’s goalkeeper.
The beginning of the second half clearly belonged to the Spaniards, who almost made a dream start: the home side combined quickly from the break, but Vinicius Junior was unable to convert a Carvajal cross. A shot by Luka Modric was just blocked (52′). The missed chances took revenge: Bernardo Silva played on Mahrez, who completed the short corner. Courtois had speculated on a shot in the far corner and was unable to get to the ball.
Substitute Jack Grealish should have made the final for City, but his shot was cleared just before the line by Ferland Mendy, and another went just wide of the far post (87′).
Joker Rodrygo scored twice
This made the turnaround of the hosts possible. A Camavinga pass sent Benzema straight into the middle, where Rodyrgo completed. 88 seconds later, the Brazilian headed in. Ederson was just able to prevent a third goal from the 21-year-old (93′).
Rodrygo was also involved in the 3:1. After his pass to the backcourt, Ruben Dias came too late in the duel with Benzema in the penalty area. The goal scorer did not miss the penalty opportunity. Courtois prevented a penalty shoot-out from a Foden shot, Fernandinho’s follow-up shot went wide (105′).
Alaba’s third title chance in the Champions League
Surprisingly, David Alaba experienced the comeback from the bench. Due to adductor problems, however, he was actually not fit for action and was probably intended more as a lucky charm. He should be fit again by the final. On May 28 in Paris against Liverpool he has the chance to win his third Champions League title after triumphs with Bayern Munich in 2013 and 2020.
Source: Nachrichten
