Real Madrid clinches a spot in the Champions League semifinals after triumphing over Manchester City in a penalty shootout.

Real Madrid secures their place in the Champions League semifinals after a tense penalty shootout victory over Manchester City on Wednesday.

Defender Antonio Rüdiger sealed the win for Real Madrid, confidently slotting his penalty into the bottom-left corner, prompting jubilant celebrations from his teammates.

This thrilling encounter, marked by a total of eight goals across both legs, concluded with the 14-time European champion prevailing 4-3 in penalties.

"Madrid always deliver, that's part of football," remarked Los Blancos midfielder Federico Valverde. "The opposition came into the game stronger, playing better football than us and were favorites. But we are Madrid, and we dug in, defended well, and fought hard. That's how we won the game."

After a captivating first leg that ended 3-3 in Madrid, Manchester City was favored to advance in what turned out to be a night of intense drama at the Etihad Stadium.

Real Madrid gained the upper hand early in the tie with Rodyrgo's well-executed goal in the 12th minute. Despite City's relentless push for an equalizer, the visitors held firm, with the match eventually ending 1-1, 4-4 on aggregate, after extra time.

In the decisive penalty shootout, Real Madrid emerged victorious, with Luka Modrić's initial attempt saved by Ederson, but City's advantage evaporated as Bernardo Silva failed to convert his effort. Real goalkeeper Andriy Lunin then saved Mateo Kovačić's penalty, ultimately leading to Rüdiger's clinching strike.

"We showed the attitude and commitment demanded by this jersey," declared manager Carlo Ancelotti after the game. "This is a very special competition for us, and we always deliver something that people are not expecting us to produce. Everyone was writing us off, but we're still here."

For Manchester City, their quest for a treble – the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup – comes to an end, heightening the importance of their upcoming FA Cup semifinal against Chelsea.

"Congratulations to Real Madrid - they defended so deep with incredible solidarity," acknowledged City manager Pep Guardiola. "We did everything. I don't have any regrets about what we have done... Unfortunately, we could not win. It is what it is."