MANCHESTER CITY were on the verge of reaching the Champions League final before Real Madrid's incredible comeback.After Real Madrid's incredible comeback on Wednesday, Manchester City's quest for their first Champions League triumph will be extended for another season, and Spartak Moscow has slashed Pep Guardiola's team. After an amazing contest at the Etihad last week, City maintained a slim 4-3 lead over Real heading into the second leg.
The contest at the Etihad was a cagey affair until midway through the second half, when Riyad Mahrez scored a superb goal past Thibaut Courtois. City found themselves in pockets of freedom on the break as Real pushed for a goal back, and Jack Grealish came agonisingly close to sealing the tie late on with a stunning solo run inside the box.After a fantastic stop from Courtois, the England international fired millimeters wide seconds later. In the 90th minute, though, Real was handed a lifeline when Rodrygo scored from close range.
And two minutes later, the Brazilian netted a spectacular equalizer to send the Bernabeu into raptures and force extra time. In extra time, Ruben Dias took Karim Benzema down in the box, and the Frenchman scored from the penalty spot for his 43rd goal of the season.Guardiola's team had one final chance before the end of the game when Fernandinho found space at the back post, but he couldn't wrap his foot around it as the final whistle sounded seconds later. Real will now meet Liverpool in a rematch of the 2018 Champions League final, while City will have to wait at least another year.
With European glory being their main goal each season, the Champions League has been the only big award absent from City's trophy cabinet. However, their quest for a first Champions League trophy continues as a result of Wednesday's defeat, and Russian club Spartak Moscow has taken aim at Guardiola's side on social media.
"We Can certify that we have the same quantity of UCL trophies," they tweeted.Spartak Moscow issued a statement after being eliminated from the Europa League at the last-16 stage, indicating that they disagreed with UEFA's decision.
It said: "Although predicted, UEFA and FIFA's recent decision is tremendously sad. Unfortunately, our club's aspirations in the Europa League have been thwarted for reasons that are much beyond the scope of sports." Spartak has millions of followers all throughout the world, not only in Russia. Our triumphs and misfortunes bring individuals from all around the world together.
"Even in the most difficult of times, we believe that sport should try to build bridges rather than burn them. We are compelled to obey a decision with which we disagree."
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