KEY POINTS

  • Real Madrid produced a stunning comeback in UCL on Wednesday
  • Rodrygo came off the bench to net a brace
  • Real Madrid will now face Liverpool in the UCL final

As Real Madrid claimed a thrilling victory over Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, Brazilians Vinicius Junior and Eder Militao led their side's dance celebrations.

Junior and Militao showed off their dance moves in the dressing room after Real Madrid defeated Manchester City 3-1 at Santiago Bernabeu. Chasing their 14th title, Los Blancos qualified for the final on a 6-5 aggregate.

City had a two-goal advantage on aggregate going into the 90th minute Wednesday. Riyad Mahrez's strike at the 74th minute had added to their 4-3 first-leg victory from last week.

Substitute Rodrygo netted a goal – Real's very first shot on target – from a close range through Karim Benzema's left-wing ball. And 90 seconds later, the 21-year-old Brazilian forward leveled the tie with a header into the top corner after Marco Asensio swept on Dani Carvajal's cross.

Then Benzema struck the final nail and left City shell-shocked. Real Madrid received a penalty, which was successfully converted by Benzema, crushing City, who had thought they were going to a second consecutive Champions League final.

Benzema has scored seven Champions League goals against English teams this season - the most by a player in a single campaign in the competition's history, according to Opta Joe. The veteran forward has also netted four goals in five previous meetings with Liverpool, Real Madrid's opponents in the 2021-22 Champions League final.

In a post-match interview, Man City boss Pep Guardiola admitted that his side needs to keep this "tough" loss behind soon and concentrate on the Premier League.

Karim Benzema scored the winner as Real Madrid fought back to reach the Champions League final
Karim Benzema scored the winner as Real Madrid fought back to reach the Champions League final AFP / PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU

"It is tough for us, I cannot deny. We were so close to the Champions League final. Now we need to process that and come back, with our people at home and in the last four games, we have," Guardiola was quoted by BBC Sport.

Man City, who are yet to win the coveted European trophy, lost the final to English rivals Chelsea last season.

Man City are just a point ahead of Liverpool in the Premier League title race with four games remaining. As their sole focus is the league now, Guardiola's side are scheduled to host Newcastle on Sunday at Etihad. The Magpies have lost just once in their last five league outings, winning the rest.