New Club Surpasses Defenses in UEFA Cup Race for Championship

Man City knocked out of Champions League by Real Madrid Manchester City are out of the Champions League following a 5-1 aggregate defeat to Real Madrid. The Blues lost 2-1 at home on the night, having lost 3-0 in the Spanish capital last week . Pep Guardiola knew it would be a tall order for his side to overturn a three-goal deficit against the 15-time European champions.

Despite the disastrous first leg result, City arrived with every intention of turning things around. They started well too, creating a flurry of early chances that could have changed the complexion of the tie. However, the task at hand grew immeasurably harder when VAR determined that Bernardo Silva had used his arm to block a shot in the 17th minute.

City’s captain was sent off and Madrid were awarded a penalty, which Vinicius Junior stepped up and converted. It was a moment that certainly sapped City’s momentum and the atmosphere within the stadium, although the hosts did rally. They continued to create chances throughout, with Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki the chief troublemakers.

City got themselves level on the night before the break, when Erling Haaland eventually turned home one of Doku’s crosses. The Norwegian had opportunities to further reduce the deficit after half-time as well. He had a hat-trick of good chances before he was withdrawn ten minutes into the second half.