After a first half of great balance, in which Bernardo Silva and Foden are in any case the best opportunities (in both cases Courtois is saved), Real Madrid immediately presses on the accelerator at the beginning of the second half and, right at the kick-off, the blancos they send Vinicius into the door, which he wastes under measure. The City regains control of the game and with one of the players entered from the bench, Gundogan, triggers the restart from which the goal that qualifies is born: the German opens a highway for Bernardo Silva, who widens for the conclusion of Mahrez, who mocked Courtois at the near post. The reaction of Ancelotti’s team is sterile and it is indeed the English who touch the blow of the knockout with Cancelo and Grealish (resounding rescue on Mendy’s line) but, when the situation seems compromised, Rodrygo finds an incredible brace between the 90th and the 91st which equalizes the elimination.
Five minutes from the start of extra time are enough for Real to complete the reversal: Ruben Dias enters the penalty area late on Benzema and Orsato concedes the penalty, which Benzema transforms without hesitation. It is the goal number 43 in as many seasonal matches, the 15th in this edition of the Champions League and the tenth in the knockout phase, equaling the record that belonged to Cristiano Ronaldo. The Guardiola-boys throw themselves forward and, just at the end of the first extra time, they crash into a miraculous Courtois, who removes Foden’s head from the door. It is the last emotion of an absolutely incredible match, which brings Ancelotti to the Champions League final for the fifth time in his career and offers Real Madrid the opportunity to conquer the 14th title in its history.
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