Manchester City Stun Real Madrid in Thrilling Champions League Semi-FinalManchester City Stun Real Madrid in Thrilling Champions League Semi-Final In a pulsating Champions League semi-final encounter, Manchester City pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat Real Madrid 4-3 at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. After a cagey start, Karim Benzema gave Madrid the lead from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute. City responded brightly, but it was not until the second half that they found their footing. In the 55th minute, Kevin De Bruyne equalized with a powerful strike from outside the box. Riyad Mahrez then put City ahead for the first time in the 73rd minute with a curling free-kick. Madrid refused to lie down, however, and Benzema restored parity with a header in the 82nd minute. As the game entered the dying embers, substitute Jack Grealish poked home from close range to give City a 3-2 advantage. But the drama was not over. Rodrygo scored a stunning volley in the 90th minute to send the tie into extra time. In the extra period, Benzema completed his hat-trick with a penalty in the 95th minute. City, however, were not to be denied. Mahrez scored his second goal of the night in the 117th minute with a low drive into the bottom corner. The victory sends Manchester City into the Champions League final for the second consecutive year. They will face Liverpool on May 28th in Paris. Real Madrid, meanwhile, will be left to rue a missed opportunity to reach their 17th Champions League final. They remain the most successful club in the competition’s history, but their recent struggles against City continue. The semi-final clash at the Bernabeu will go down in history as one of the most thrilling and unforgettable matches in Champions League history.
