Real Madrid Survives Leipzig Scare While Manchester City Cruises in Champions League
Real Madrid and Manchester City both secured their spots in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, but their journeys couldn’t have been more different. Real Madrid faced a nervy night at the Bernabeu, while Manchester City enjoyed total control against Copenhagen.
Real Madrid had a one-goal advantage going into the second leg against RB Leipzig, but they were made to sweat before securing their spot in the quarter-finals. Leipzig had several early scares from quick transitions but failed to capitalize on their opportunities. Real Madrid struggled to create chances in the first half, with no efforts on target. The home crowd grew restless, and Leipzig twice came close to finding an opener before the break. Real Madrid were fortunate not to concede when their goalkeeper raced out of his goal and was rounded by Leipzig’s Lois Openda.
In the second half, Real Madrid finally tested Peter Gulacsi, with Rodrygo’s deflected effort almost sneaking in at the near post. They opened the scoring not long after when Toni Kroos won possession and released Jude Bellingham, who played a through-ball for Vinicius to score with his first touch. However, Leipzig didn’t back down and got a deserved goal when David Raum crossed for Willi Orban to head in at the far post. The match turned into a very nervy night for Real Madrid, with Leipzig spurning chances until the last moments of the game. Real Madrid held on for a 1-1 draw on the night and a 2-1 win on aggregate.
While Real Madrid struggled, Manchester City had little doubt about their progression to the quarter-finals. Guardiola’s side had taken a 3-1 lead from the first leg against Copenhagen and quickly put the tie out of reach. Manuel Akanji volleyed home from a corner inside five minutes, and moments later, goalkeeper Kamil Grabara endured a nightmare moment, spilling the ball into the back of the net. Despite Copenhagen pulling one back, Manchester City went on to dominate the game, with Erling Haaland adding another goal on the stroke of half-time. The second half saw few chances, and Manchester City cruised into the last eight with a 5-2 aggregate score.
Real Madrid and Manchester City’s performances couldn’t have been more different in the Champions League. Real Madrid survived a scare against Leipzig, relying on a late goal to secure their spot in the quarter-finals. They will need to improve if they want to pose a threat to the remaining teams in the competition. On the other hand, Manchester City controlled their game against Copenhagen from start to finish, displaying their dominance as defending champions. With their eyes set on Liverpool this weekend, Guardiola made several changes to the team but still secured an easy victory.
Both teams will now await their opponents in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Real Madrid will need to step up their game if they want to progress further, while Manchester City will aim to continue their impressive form in the competition.