What happened in last season’s Real Madrid-Manchester City Champions League semi-final?

What on Earth are you reading this article for? The fact that you are suggests to me that you a) didn’t watch the incredible two-legged semi-final encounter between Real Madrid and Manchester City in the 2021/22 Champions League, or b) you did experience it, but have forgotten what happened. Both of these responses are unacceptable.

Oh wait, maybe you are here because you just want to relive the utter madness of the Etihad goal-fest and the nerve shredding ending at the Santiago Bernabéu. Well, why didn’t you say? That’s an excellent reason to be here. Read on...

So, what happened at the Etihad when Real Madrid came to town?

In less than two minutes, Kevin de Bruyne had headed the home side in front and, given that Madrid were not looking particularly special in the tournament, the writing already seemed to be on the Etihad wall. Six more goals were to come, with City having a two-goal cushion on three separate occasions, but being pegged back to a single goal each time.

After the match, Pep Guardiola was far from happy. Yes, he’d just watched his boys fire in four against the Spanish giants, but knew he’d left them a sniff for the second leg.

Here’s how we brought you that game live.

The Bernabéu late, late comeback over City

Real Madrid have had some special results in the top continental club competition and the second leg of this tie will live long in the memory. A stunning late comeback against City was needed to secure a spot in the 2021/22 Champions League final against Liverpool, one where they would go on to clinch number 14.

Trailing 4-3 after the first leg, Carlo Ancelotti’s men needed a goal to keep their hopes alive (away goals didn’t count). Despite having a few chances in the first half, they couldn’t find the back of the net, and the game remained scoreless as they headed in for some oranges, or modern day equivalent.

Then, in the 73rd minute, City shocked the Bernabéu when Silva set up Mahrez, who scored past Courtois to give them a two-goal cushion on aggregate. Los Blancos looked defeated, and the fans felt it, but a huge twist was to come. Substitute Rodrygo popped up in the 90th minute, scoring a crucial goal, although it seemed like only a consolation. Surely there was no time left for more. Our live coverage was struggled to keep up.

But just seconds later, the Brazilian scored again, this time with a powerful header beyond Ederson in the City goal. Rodrygo’s brace took the game to extra time, with the aggregate score level at 5-5. The stadium was bouncing. The Citizens couldn’t believe it.

The next big moment came early in extra-time. It was the 94th minute and Dias brought down Benzema, the Frenchman then stepping up and converting his spot kick to give the hosts the lead for the first time across both legs. Ancelotti’s men managed to hold on to their 3-1 lead on the night, securing a 6-5 aggregate victory and confirming their final place where another European crown would be lifted.

Can we expect another entertaining, rollercoaster of a ride when these two teams meet again in May? Given the talent on show, and the styles of play that we have come to expect from both managers, you’d be silly to bet against it. Bring it on!