Real Madrid will play Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League final after Karim Benzema’s extra-time penalty ended Manchester City’s impressive 3-1 victory.
Leading 4-3 in the first leg, Pep Guardiola’s side looked determined to play for the second time in a row as Riyad Mahrez put them ahead in the 73rd minute at the Santiago Bernabeu, but the reigning champions Madrid closed out their place in Paris 6-5. to win.
Rodrygo’s acting was their inspiration, as he became the first player to score two goals in the 90th minute of the UEFA Champions League playoff game to force extra time.
And Benzema made some good changes to Carlo Ancelotti’s LaLiga strikers there, five minutes later.
The city suffered a setback in the first half, with Thibaut Courtois suspending Bernardo Silva before denying Phil Foden just before half-time.
Madrid should have taken the lead early in the second half, however, Vinicius Junior could not turn Dani Carvajal’s ball into the far post.
But City showed more control and the lead was theirs when Mahrez finished past Courttois.
City’s progress seemed secure, with Madrid coming off the bench when Jack Grealish only exploded and saw the strike removed from the line before Courtois denied the man £ 100million later.
However, Madrid does not know when they will be beaten. Rodrygo stole to turn home Benzema’s square ball and, 91 seconds later, planted a beautiful header in the upper left corner.
The most notable change came to an end when Benzema calmly sent Ederson the wrong way from 12 yards after being badly attacked by Ruben Dias in the box, Fernandinho missed a good chance to score an equalizer as Madrid begin a meeting with Liverpool in May. 28.
