Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola experienced a remarkable reversal of fortunes in Champions League semi-final clash with Man City boss missing out his new place in the record books.
The Los Blancos produced an astonishing late fightback in their semi-final decider as Man City looked destined for the final but Madrid prevail 6-5 on aggregate after extra time.
Riyad Mahrez scored the opener ‘73′ of the night but Rodrygo replied with a quick double ‘90, 90+1‘ in the closing moments of normal time.
We're now on WhatsApp. Click here to join.
Karim Benzema’s extra time penalty sent Real Madrid into the Champions League final.
Karim Benzema then scored ’95’ the third goal for his side from the penalty spot in the extra time.
Benzema’s goal sent Real Madrid into the finals as they face English giants Liverpool in Paris later this month.
Ancelotti who sealed his fifth appearance in the competition’s final told BT Sport after the game:
“I cannot say we are used to living this kind if life, but what happened tonight it happened against Chelsea and also against PSG.
“If you have to say why, it is the history of this club that helps us to keep going when it seems that we are gone.”
“The game was close to finished and we managed to find the last energy we had. We played a good game against a strong rival.”
“When we are able to equalise we had a psychological advantage in extra-time.”
“I have no time to think about this [losing the game]. It was difficult as City had control of the game but the last opportunity we were able to go to extra-time.”
“I am happy to be there in the final, in Paris against another great rival. We are used to it. It will be a fantastic game for football.”
Man City boss Guardiola said upon losing said:
“I have had defeats in the Champions League, I had tough defeats at Barcelona when we could not reach the final.”
“But it is tough for us, I cannot deny that. We were so close to the Champions League final.”
“We didn’t play well in the first half, we didn’t find our game. The second half was much better and after the goal, we had control.”
“We found our game but unfortunately we could not finish. The players gave everything. We were so close.” said Guardiola.
This marks his sixth semi-final elimination, a record he now shares with former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho.
Pep Guardiola and his team will now regroup ahead of a crucial Premier League game against Newcastle this weekend.
