Madrid (AP) — As the minutes went by, the Santiago Bernabeu chanting “Yes, I can” gradually subsided, and Real Madrid seemed to be eliminated.
Many of the stands and some of the pitches were trying to give up in the face of the need to score two goals virtually over time.
RELATED
But Madrid did it again.
Meringue created yet another spectacular Champions League performance, overtime with two goals from Rodrigo to beat Manchester City 3-1 on Wednesday to reach the final for the first time in four years. ..
It was another magical night at Bernabeu for the indomitable Spanish club.
Madrid’s comeback hero Karim Benzema in the two rounds before the European tournament lost 4-3 in the first leg match and then extended to a decisive goal with a total victory of 6-5. Converted a penalty kick with and easily lost with a larger margin.
Madrid also played against Paris Saint-Germain in Bernabeu, revived in 16 rounds and defended champion Chelsea in the quarterfinals.
What is the secret of this invincible attitude?
“Real Madrid,” replied goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. “This team and this club can do anything. We will continue to believe until the end.”
By prescribing the same dose to Citi, Madrid got a ticket to the final match against Liverpool, which defeated Villarreal in Paris on May 28 and advanced a day ago. Madrid defeated Liverpool in the 2018 final. The Spanish side set the record by lifting the 13th European Cup.
“This is what makes this club so great. It’s a club where you can’t lower your arms when it looks like it’s all over. Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said,” It gives you the power to continue, continue and believe. Give it. “
Ancelotti made history by reaching his fifth Champions League final by the most coaches in the history of the tournament.
And an Italian strategist revealed that there was a motivational video that was used as a secret weapon against the city.
“This video was achieved with” one more “on all eight of the comebacks we made this season,” he explained.
The defeat ended another attempt by Citi to win their first Champions League. Josep Guardiola’s team made it to the final against Chelsea last year.
“We knew they did it in their history, and they did it to us,” Guardiola said. “When we did our best, they came from behind.”
Madrid seemed discouraged at the end of the 90-minute regulation until Rodrigo seemed to score two save goals.
Riyad Mahrez opened the city in the 73rd minute, but the youthful Brazilian striker leveled the score on the first leg in the 90th minute and then headed to the net with a total stop time of 2-1. rice field.
A few minutes before Rodrigo’s first goal, Ferland Mendy would lose balance after Jack Grealish’s shot and seal City’s qualifications by clearing the ball almost on the line. Prevented Madrid from recognizing his goal.
After a while, goalkeeper Courtois repelled another shot from Grealish with loot.
“It’s a big blow,” Guardiola said. “It’s a big blow, it’s normal. But at first the game was lacking and there was no continuity.” I don’t know if it’s more worth it. That’s the reality. “
Confident Madley sought to win in overtime, and Benzema converted the penalty to 3-1 in the 95th minute after being trampled in the area.
This was the 15th goal of the French striker in the Champions League this season, making him the highest scorer. He scored 10 goals in the direct exclusion phase. This is comparable to the record of Cristiano Ronaldo in the same edition.
Benzema signed a hat-trick as Madrid came from behind to knock out both PSG and Chelsea.
What potions should they not faint?
“In a nutshell, Real Madrid,” Courtois summarized. “Everything is possible. It’s unbelievable. We knew it could happen. We eliminated a very large team that spent a lot of money. The road was difficult. It was hard today. “
