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Rodrygo's Memory Lane: Why His 2022 UCL Miracle Still Haunts Man City

Real Madrid winger Rodrygo is reminiscing about his most iconic moment ahead of another clash with Manchester City. He specifically recalls his unforgettable two-goal burst in the 2022 Champions League semifinals that sparked an epic comeback. This fixture has become a modern classic, with the teams eliminating each other in four straight seasons. Their recent battles have directly decided who lifts the European Cup.

Key Points: Rodrygo Recalls 2022 UCL Miracle Ahead of Real Madrid vs Man City

  • Rodrygo reflects on his two-goal miracle in the 2022 UCL semifinal against Man City
  • The two clubs have met in five consecutive Champions League knockout stages
  • Real Madrid won the 2022 tie with a dramatic late Benzema penalty
  • The rivalry has produced three UCL titles for the two sides since 2022
3 min read

Real Madrid's Rodrygo 'walks down memory lane' ahead of Man City test in UCL derby

Real Madrid's Rodrygo revisits his iconic 2022 UCL semifinal brace against Manchester City, as the European giants prepare for another epic clash.

"I think that’s my most unforgettable football moment. - Rodrygo"

Madrid, Dec 9

As Real Madrid prepare to meet Manchester City for a fifth consecutive Champions League season, Madrid winger Rodrygo walks down memory lane as he thinks back to his "most unforgettable moment" from the semifinal meeting in 2022, when he scored his first goal.

In each of the past four seasons, one side has eliminated the other from the knockout phase, and the pair have claimed three titles between them in that span: Real Madrid in 2021/22 and 2023/24 and Manchester City in 2022/23.

The two teams have played a total of 14 matches since their first encounter in the 2012/13 season. Over the last six seasons, they have faced each other 10 times and produced memorable moments in each of the five two-legged knockout ties.

Real Madrid prevailed on three occasions, with special mention going to the semi-final comeback that secured our ticket to win the Decimocuarta in Paris in 2022.

"I think that’s my most unforgettable football moment,” Rodrygo told UEFA. "The most important moment was after I scored the first goal, when the fourth official showed six minutes of added time,” he explained. “It felt as if we had scored another goal – the fans went crazy. Right after that, I scored my second goal."

Karim Benzema’s 95th-minute penalty then sent the hosts to the final, where they defeated Liverpool 1-0 to earn a 14th crown in the competition.

Los Blancos ended up on the losing side in the following year's semi-final rematch, Manchester City sealing a 5-1 aggregate victory on the way to their maiden Champions League title.

Rodrygo found himself back on the scoresheet and on the winning side in 2023/24 as Real Madrid earned a penalty-shootout triumph in the quarterfinals.

"The first leg was an amazing match, a spectacle,” Rodrygo said of the 3-3 draw in Madrid. “It captured the essence of all the Manchester City versus Real Madrid games in the previous years. It was great and, for me, it was a privilege being on the pitch and scoring that day.”

The Brazilian then struck Real Madrid’s only goal as a 1-1 draw followed in Manchester, Carlo Ancelotti’s charges prevailing through dogged defending and a 4-3 penalty shootout victory.

“The match in England against them was a tough one. I was lucky enough to score again, but we struggled a lot throughout the match,” Rodrygo recalled.

Los Blancos then defeated Bayern München in the semi-finals and Borussia Dortmund in the showpiece to extend their record tally of European Cup/Champions League titles to 15.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Ananya R
It's amazing to see a player like Rodrygo, still so young, already having such historic moments. This is the kind of drama we watch football for. Hope the next match lives up to the hype!
D
David E
Respectfully, while the 2022 comeback was incredible, the article glosses over how dominant City were in the 2023 semi-final. That 4-0 win at the Etihad was a tactical masterclass from Pep. Both sides have earned their stripes in this epic clash.
S
Siddharth J
The timing of these matches is brutal for us in India! 1:30 AM kickoffs, but for clashes like this, sleep can wait. Chai and football – the perfect combo. Can't wait for the next chapter.
P
Priya S
It's fascinating how this has become the defining modern Champions League rivalry. Each match feels like a final. As a neutral fan from Mumbai, I just enjoy the sheer quality on display. More of this, please!
K
Karthik V
Real Madrid's mentality in these games is something else. They just never know when they are beaten. That's what makes them the kings of Europe. Hala Madrid! 🏆

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