Real Madrid produced an astonishing late comeback against Manchester City to set up a Champions League final against Liverpool, as Karim Benzema’s extra-time penalty winner gave them an incredible 6-5 aggregate win over City.
The 13-time winners were trailing 5-3 on aggregate heading into the 90th minute at the Bernabeu after Riyad Mahrez had given City the lead (73).
But two goals in two minutes from substitute Rodrygo dramatically made it 2-1 (5-5 on aggregate) to Real in the 91st minute to send the tie to extra-time.
Real’s incredible fightback was then complete in the fifth minute of extra-time as Benzema scored a penalty after being brought down by Ruben Dias.
City came close to forcing a penalty shootout but Fernandinho put it wide at the back post at the end of the first half of extra-time as the Premier League leaders missed out on making it back-to-back Champions League finals.
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Real, who also came from behind in the previous two rounds against Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, reached their first Champions League final since 2018 when they beat Liverpool 3-1.
But Jurgen Klopp’s side will now be looking for revenge against the Spanish champions in Paris on May 28 as Real boss Carlo Ancelotti looks to become the first manager to win the competition four times.
Super sub Rodrygo sparks stunning comeback
City took a slender one-goal advantage to Spain after last Tuesday’s thrilling 4-3 first leg win at the Etihad Stadium, but for large periods the second leg was a tense and nervy affair.
In the 20th minute, Bernardo Silva had the first opportunity of the game but a solid stop from Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois kept out the Portuguese’s half-volley after he had latched onto a clever Kevin De Bruyne ball.
Five minutes before half-time, Courtois needed to be alert again as he denied Phil Foden’s 25-yard bouncing volley to keep it scoreless.
But within seconds of the restart, Real should have been level only for Vinicius to waste a glorious chance straight from kick-off after the Brazilian, who was unmarked at the back post, put wide from Dani Carvajal’s cross following a poor offside trap by City.
But the tension was then lifted for Pep Guardiola’s side as Bernardo Silva found Mahrez after a driving run and the Algerian then powered a curling shot past Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Substitute Jack Grelaish then twice came close in the space of a minute to sealing the semi-final win but his first effort was cleared off the line by Ferland Mendy with his second shot superbly saved by Courtois’ outstretched left boot.
But this Real side do not know when they are beaten and in the 90th minute, Rodrygo pulled one back as he flicked in Benzema’s pullback.
City were left stunned a minute later as the Brazilian then scored his second with a fantastic header from Carvajal’s cross to level the tie and send it to extra time.
A shellshocked City then gave a penalty away five minutes after the restart as Dias brought Benzema down and the Frenchman stepped up to score from the spot for his 15th goal in the Champions League this season.
City almost responded in added time of the first period of extra rime as Courtois saved Foden’s header but Fernandinho missed the rebound as City’s search for a first Champions League title goes on, while Real remain on course to win a 14th European Cup.
Ancelotti: Real’s history keeps us going
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, speaking to BT Sport: “I cannot say we are used to living this kind of 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.”
What’s next for City?
Manchester City return to Premier League action on Sunday as they host Newcastle, live on Sky Sports; kick-off 4.30pm. City play a day after their title rivals Liverpool, who could be above them come kick-off if they avoid defeat at home to Tottenham on Saturday night.
Manchester City’s fixture schedule:
Sunday – Newcastle (h) Premier League, live on Sky Sports
May 11 – Wolves (a) Premier League, live on Sky Sports
May 15 – West Ham (a) Premier League, live on Sky Sports
May 22 – Aston Villa (h) Premier League