Real Madrid deserve a huge amount of credit for their comeback last night, but much of the conversation after the result has inevitably centred around yet another collapse from Manchester City in Europe.
Despite being perhaps the best team in the continent over the last five years or so, they repeatedly have fallen short on the biggest stage. On this occasion, they looked to have their place in the final all but secured only for two goals in the dying moments to send the game to extra-time. It felt like there was only going to be one result from this point.
Some of the decisions made by Pep Guardiola in the closing stages of the game have now come under the spotlight. He opted to substitute both Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez in the final 20 minutes.
Jack Grealish also came on, playing a pivotal role in Real Madrid's comeback.
OFF THE LINE!
What defending from Mendy!
And what a save from Courtois! #RMAMCI | #UCL pic.twitter.com/va3zAmhF7t— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) May 4, 2022
Having missed a couple of golden opportunities to extend City's lead, the Englishman would then have a hand in the two goals at the other end.
Grealish failed to close down Eduardo Camavinga's cross for Madrid's first goal, which was ultimately squared back across goal by Karim Benzema to set up Rodrygo.
MADRID PULL ONE BACK!
They need one more!#RMAMCI | #UCL pic.twitter.com/VuCxqZBlE8— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) May 4, 2022
His defending for the second was even more questionable.
On this occasion, the winger did little to stop Dani Carvajal's delivery from the right flank, despite knowing that a goal would put Madrid back on level terms. The outcome was predictable.
UNBELIEVABLE! 🤯
Rodrygo scores again!
It's 5-5 in the tie!
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!#RMAMCI | #UCL pic.twitter.com/Dnhkf8xe3Z— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) May 4, 2022
In all, it was not a good night for the Premier League's record signing.
Speaking on beIN SPORTS after the game, Arsene Wenger said that Grealish had played a key role in Manchester City's collapse.
🗣️ "What is surprising for me, this team from Madrid when they need an answer... They find the solution."
Arsène Wenger believes Real Madrid have "something special" following their victory against the odds!
Analysis from Le Professeur ⤵️#beINUCL #UCL #MADMCI pic.twitter.com/hmyaXm5g6k— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) May 4, 2022
Concerning City, Guardiola wanted to secure the result.
The only thing you can say is that when you look at 1-1, when Grealish is against Carvajal (on the wing). He is passed easy, too easy, he must absolutely fight to stop that cross. You know that you do not want the ball in the box, anything can happen when everybody goes forward.
That's where they didn't secure the game, defending on the sides. When you look at when Benzema gave the ball back, the defenders didn't really attack the ball. They made big mistakes defensively.
Grealish has seen his playing time at City steadily decrease in recent weeks, so much so that it was somewhat of a surprise to see him come on for the final 15 minutes of last night's game.
Pep Guardiola could well be regretting that decision at the moment.
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