Real Madrid have followed Liverpool to the Champions League final after a terrific battle. Four days after winning the 35th Spanish football championship early, the team led by ex-national player Toni Kroos beat Manchester City 3-1 (2-1, 0-0) after extra time in the semi-final second leg on Wednesday evening. The English champions won the equally spectacular first duel 4:3.
Algerian Riyad Mahrez gave the visitors the lead at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu in the 73rd minute, but Rodrygo, who came on for Kroos, forced extra time with his two goals in the closing stages (90/90+1). Torgarant Karim Benzema became the match winner for the royal team with his converted penalty kick in the 95th minute.
The final of the European premier class will take place in Paris on May 28th. Liverpool had entered the final the night before with a 3: 2 (0: 2) win at Bayern conqueror FC Villarreal and had thus preserved their chances of four titles this season.