After withstanding a barrage at the Etihad on Wednesday, Real Madrid avenged Manchester City by winning 4-3 on penalties to advance to the Champions League semifinals.
Rodrygo gave the visitors an early lead, but Kevin De Bruyne equalized for the holders, leaving the match tied 1-1 on the night and 4-4 on aggregate.
However, City’s tournament defence came to an end when Andriy Lunin, Madrid’s improbable hero, saved spot kicks from Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic.
The Ukrainian, who has filled in for the injured Thibaut Courtois this season, was at fault for City’s early goal in a thrilling first leg, but more than made up for it.
City have not lost at home in the winners League since 2018, but the holders were kept at bay by a magnificent defensive effort from the 14-time European winners, despite 34 attempts on goal.
Madrid were blown away by an early City blitz in a 4-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium 11 months ago, and Pep Guardiola’s side went on to win the championship for the first time.
City also won a semi-final first leg thriller 4-3 at home two years ago, only to be surprised by a late Madrid comeback in the second leg.
This time, Carlo Ancelotti’s team inverted the script with a confident start, which was rewarded with the opening goal.
With a beautiful touch, Jude Bellingham grabbed the ball from the skies and set Real on their way down the right.
Vinicius Junior found the unmarked Rodrygo and tapped in the rebound after his first shot was saved by Brazilian international teammate Ederson.
If City was sluggish to warm up to their mission, they soon had Madrid pinned against the ropes but were unable to score a decisive blow until 76 minutes.
Erling Haaland failed to score for the fourth time in a row, but he has never been closer than when his looping header bounced against the crossbar, giving Bernardo Silva little time to turn in the rebound.
Lunin was forced to turn behind De Bruyne’s drive from outside the box, and the tenacious Antonio Rudiger deflected Jack Grealish’s effort into the side net.
At the start of the second half, the Madrid goalkeeper stopped two more Grealish shots before Guardiola sacrificed the England international for Jeremy Doku’s pace.
That was an inspired change, as Rudiger failed to deal with a Doku cross, leaving the ball ideally for De Bruyne to smash into the roof of the goal 14 minutes from time.
De Bruyne should have won the game on his own, but he missed a great opportunity.
However, City’s control of the ball and territory sapped Madrid’s energy, and their dangerous counter-attack was mostly restrained after the first half.
Julian Alvarez replaced Haaland in extra time, marking another significant decision by Guardiola.
However, the Argentine was no more effective at finding gaps in Madrid’s massive defenders, and Real had the greatest chance of the extra 30 minutes.
Rudiger chopped over with a clear shot on goal after advancing from a rare Madrid corner.
However, the German defender would have the final word in the shootout when he converted the final penalty.