SUMMARY
- Real Madrid faced Manchester City for the second leg of UCL Quarter finals.
- Real Madrid moved to the Semi finals after converting penalty shootouts into goals. The match ended with score 4-3.
As the accolades continue to pile up for Real Madrid after their nail-biting UCL quarterfinal against Manchester City, one player who isn’t being appreciated enough is none other than Lucas Vazquez. It was a night to remember for all Real Madrid players and supporters as they clinched their UCL semifinal spot after 120 minutes of end-to-end action.
Taking on a team like Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, especially in the Champions League, has proven to be a Herculean task in the past. Before the defeat against Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola’s side were unbeaten at their home for 30 consecutive Champions League games. Last season, City recorded a remarkable victory as they thrashed Real Madrid 4-0 in the semifinals at the Etihad.
This season, however, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti got his strategy on point. Ancelotti’s players put up a valiant display and proved that defeating City at their fortress was possible. Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin turned out to be the hero of the night, as he made two saves in the penalty shootout. However, Lucas Vazquez continues to remain off the spotlight despite his invaluable contributions against City.
Lucas Vazquez played a HUGE role last night:
◉ scored his penalty
◉ giving Lunin advice before the shootout
◉ took the lead during the huddle to give a team talkLeader. Legend. Made in Madrid. pic.twitter.com/oHkg8dDvaa
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) April 18, 2024
Lucas Vazquez, Real Madrid’s home-grown talent, came on in the 102nd minute and quietly put in a masterclass. While it hasn’t been noticed by many, Vazquez was one of the first ones to speak during the huddle right before the penalty shootout started. The 31-year-old was also spotted advising Lunin before the shootout. All in all, Vazquez came, scored his penalty, and left the pitch as a UCL semifinalist once again.
Lucas Vazquez brings back memories of the 2016 UCL triumph with his ice-cold moment
As Lucas Vazquez stepped up to take his penalty kick against Manchester City in the UCL quarterfinals, he brought back memories of the 2015-16 UCL final. Eight years ago, Real Madrid faced their city rivals Atletico Madrid in the final of the Champions League. With both sides level at 1-1 after extra time, the game went to penalty kicks.
Interestingly, Lucas Vazquez turned out to be the first penalty taker for Los Blancos. In a pressure situation like a penalty shootout, and also in a game like the Champions League final, almost every player would be quaking in their boots. Vazquez, on the other hand, hardly broke a sweat as he headed towards the goal to take his spot kick while spinning the ball on his fingers.
Don’t think ice cold is enough to describe Real Madrid’s Lucas Vazquez when it comes to penalty shootouts 🥶
The man is crazy.
If he isn’t spinning the ball in his hand, he’s juggling it during a Champions League quarter-final shootout 🤯pic.twitter.com/wcHrLUGAxQ
— Sacha Pisani (@Sachk0) April 18, 2024
Vazquez brought back his iconic ice-cold moment last night against City again. The Real Madrid star was spotted juggling the ball right before taking his penalty kick. From the spot, Vazquez made no mistake as calmly slotted the ball into the net. Lucas Vazquez once again proved last night why despite not being the most popular player, he’s easily one of the most reliable players that Real Madrid can depend upon in a pressure situation.
Carlo Ancelotti makes an honest confession about penalty shootout win
Meanwhile, Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti made an honest confession after his side clinched an incredible victory against Manchester City in the UCL quarterfinals. In what was a clash of the behemoth of Europe, the two head coaches, Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola, had two very different game plans.
As Guardiola’s City relentlessly attacked, held possession of the ball, and created pressure on the Madrid defense, Ancelotti’s men defended valiantly and smartly picked out their moments. In the end, the game went to penalty kicks after 120 minutes of action failed to separate the two teams. Speaking after the match, Ancelotti revealed the one way, and perhaps the ONLY way, to defeat Guardiola’s City.
Carlos Ancelotti, one of the greatest manager in UCL history has admitted that the only way to beat Man City is via penalties!
“This was the only way to win against City. The only one.” pic.twitter.com/IvKe1KSF84
— City Chief (@City_Chief) April 18, 2024
Ancelotti said, “This (penalty shootout) was the only way to win against City. The only one.” Ancelotti’s game plan might prove to be a source of inspiration for all teams who want to stop Manchester City, who are undoubtedly one of the best teams in the world right now. Nevertheless, credit goes to the Real Madrid players who played their hearts out to keep Manchester City at bay.