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.”
Former Mormon reveals the wild list of rules she was forced to follow while living within ultra
Volunteers for Beijing Olympics Attend Training Session to Develop Skills
Highlights of WTT Champions Frankfurt 2023
Pema Tseden's posthumous film 'Snow Leopard' shines with spiritual depth
Alabama lawmakers advance bills to ensure Joe Biden is on the state's ballot
In Pics: Onboard Markets on 'Slow Trains'
In Pics: Opening Ceremony of 2022 Winter Paralympics
In Pics: Opening Ceremony of 2022 Winter Paralympics
PSG star Tabitha Chawinga of Malawi overcomes obstacles en route to Champions League success
Higher Education Making Steady Progress
Sarah Paulson, 49, talks aging gracefully without Botox: 'I don't shoot anything into my face'
China Has Nearly 300 Million Students in 2021