Manchester City were knocked out of the Champions League semi-finals after being taken to penalties against Real Madrid on Wednesday night – but Shay Given still raved about one Man City player.
The two sides came into tonight’s second leg at The Etihad after drawing at The Bernabeu – with Josko Gvardiol, Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva got their names on the score sheet against Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Rodrygo got the the first goal of the second leg, started by a brilliant first touch by Jude Bellingham – who played in Vinicius Jr and his low cross found Rodrygo, who tapped home in just the 12th minute.
There was only one more goal on the night, Kevin De Bruyne scoring to level the tie on 76 minutes. A battle of Real Madrid’s defensive quality, and Manchester City’s ability to unlock a very strong defence.
Real Madrid beat Manchester City on penalties to go through
City had numerous chances but Real looked quality on the counter. Chances missed by De Bruyne with the score at 1-1, and then Antonio Rudiger – saw the game finally reach a penalty shootout. City lost.
Andriy Lunin won it for Madrid, stopping kicks from Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic. It might not have got top penalties if Viniciur Jr had scored when through – only for Kyle Walker to get back and stop him.
Shay Given said about 33-year-old Walker, in extra time, as per BBC Live: “Unbelievable, you will not see a better full-back in world football. Kyle Walker showing his pace and power – brilliant defending.”
Madrid win, but Kyle Walker remains the world’s best right-back
For an explosive player, at 33, to last the entire 120 minutes against Ancelotti’s Madrid and coming up against Vinicius Jr – is incredible in itself. But, even then. showing the guile and fitness to get back.
It is no surprise that Walker was given a new contract until the summer of 2026 because even though he will turn 34 before the end of the season, he remains one of City’s best and most-important players.
It won’t be a Champions League medal draped around Walker’s neck this season, but there is every chance a Premier League and FA Cup one will be – and who knows, possibly a Euro 2024 medal as well.
The post 'Unbelievable': Shay Given says Man City star the best 'in world football' after extra-time moment vs Madrid appeared first on TBR Football.