Wow. What a game. What a tie. This is why the Champions League is so special.
The match got off to a thrilling start with yet another early goal, this time courtesy of Mario Mandzukic after just 1 minute and 15 seconds – the earliest goal ever conceded by Real Madrid in the Champions League. Then, Gonzalo Higuain came dangerously close to adding a second just 5 minutes later.
Then it was Real Madrid’s turn to attack, as Gareth Bale came close to answering with what would have been an incredible backheel goal. Soon after, Isco found the back of the net, but it was ruled offside, even though he looked onside upon seeing the replay.
Massimiliano Allegri made a bold move by subbing off Mattia de Sciglio after just 17 minutes. In my Champions League Quarterfinal Predictions, I mentioned that right-back would be an issue for Juventus in this tie, and Allegri clearly didn’t like what he saw from his young Italian right-back.
Somewhat surprisingly, Lichsteiner played very well after coming off the bench. Real Madrid’s attack was noticeably more quiet after the first 15 minutes, and he even provided the assist for Mario Mandzukic’s second goal. He played a perfect ball to the far post, and Mandzukic was able to use his height advantage over Carvajal to bring Juventus within just one goal on aggregate.
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Juventus went into halftime needing just one more goal to complete the comeback.
Could we actually see another team overturn a 3-goal deficit in consecutive days? Especially when it had only happened TWICE in Champions League history before Tuesday?
Yes. Yes we could.
Because in the 60th minute, Keylor Navas was unable to hold onto Douglas Costa’s cross, and it fell right to Blaise Matuidi, who equalized for Juventus.
The Bernabeu was in a stunned silence, except for the one corner of elated Juventus fans screaming their hearts out.
For the rest of the second half, Juventus did well to hold their lead, and for the first time in this Champions League knockout stage, it looked like were headed to extra time…
But then in the 93rd minute, drama ensued.
Toni Kroos sent a ball into Ronaldo, who headed it back across the face of goal to Lucas Vasquez. He looked certain to score, but was brought down by Medhi Benatia, and a pentalty was given.
Perhaps unfairly, an irate Gianluigi Buffon was showed a red card for arguing the call, and Wojciech Szczesny was brought on to try to save Juventus’ comeback hopes.
Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up, and blasted it into the top corner – a penalty that wouldn’t have been saved by a single goalkeeper on this earth.
In dramatic fashion, Real Madrid saved themselves from an embarrassing collapse – and probably saved Zinedine Zidane’s job.
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Cristiano Ronaldo is now the first player in Champions League history to score in 11 straight games, and has put Real Madrid on his back to lead them to their record 13th Champions League semifinal. The dream of a 3rd consecutive Champions League trophy is still alive.