BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Antonio Rudiger stared down the goalkeeper, took a deep breath, and drilled home the decisive penalty, proving once again there is no tougher task in club soccer than beating Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Madrid’s victory over Manchester City after a penalty shootout on Wednesday sent it to a record 17th semifinal appearance and kept it on course to add to its unequaled haul of 14 European Cups.
It was fitting that Rudiger finished off City after he anchored a spirited defensive effort by Madrid that weathered wave after wave of attacks by Pep Guardiola’s side.
For Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, it was a question of survival.
“There was only one way to get out of here alive. We had to dig in and fight hard,” Ancelotti said. “We showed the attitude and commitment demanded by this jersey. 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.”
Zoe Saldana and husband Marco Perego look stylish in classic all
Tibet's cultural tourism receives help from upgraded facilities
Shenzhen promotes industrial tourism
Chinese Celebrate Spring Festival
Vanderpump Rules' Lala Kent would rather make love with 'a cheese grater' than have sex with ex
Appreciating a Beijing Staycation
Family from Anhui Participates in Volunteer Activities in Beijing
Amazing International Fashions Integrated with Traditional Chinese Cultural Elements
Promoting Harmony Within Families
Amazon removed Just Walk Out from many of its own stores but wants to sell the system to others
Tibetan Students Receive Care, Education in Wuhan