Real Madrid made an impossible comeback to beat Manchester City to book a ticket to Paris. They will face Liverpool in the final on 28th May. Pep Guardiola's men were leading all throughout the game, but Real were never out of it. With only added minutes left in the game, Real scored two goals in one minute to take the game to the extra time. In the extra time, Karim Benzema scored from the penalty spot to take the lead for the first time in the semi-finals. Read the full match report of Real Madrid vs Man City in our LIVE Blog.

Pep will surely be scratching his head for taking Riyad Mehraz off. They seemed to celebrate too early against the best team in the history of the tournament. Kevin de Bryune was not at his best as well in the match. For Real Madrid, it was Camavinga who came and made all the important changes for Madrid. Rodrygo was obviously the man who scored the all-important goals for Madrid.

Read Also: Sadio Mané has qualified for his fourth final of 2022.

Stats to look from the match

• Pep Guardiola's all four eliminations in the Champions League semi-finals are all at the hands of Spanish opponents (Real Madrid in 2013/14, Barcelona in 2014/15 and Atlético Madrid in 2015/16 and Real Madrid in 2021-22)
• Carlo Ancelotti is now the first-ever football manager to play in 5 UCL finals.
• This is Real Madrid's 17th UCL Final, the most by any team in the history of the tournament.
• Benzema now has scored 43 goals in 43 goals this season, 15 in this season's UCL campaign.
• Rodrygo becomes the first player to score twice in the 90th minute of a Champions League knockout match
• Karim Benzema has now equalled Cristiano Ronaldo's record of most goals in the knock-out stage in a season of UCL (10).

Real Madrid vs Man City | LIVE Blog

Catch the Real Madrid vs Man City match report from our LIVE Blog.

This week sees the return of the quarter-finals in the UEFA Champions League 2024-25, the top tournament for club football in Europe, where Real Madrid hold on to hope of continuing their pursuit of a place into the semi-finals of a competition they have won an astonishing 15 times.

However, a huge challenge is ahead for the Los Blancos, as they are presently behind 3-0 against Arsenal after the first-leg match played last Tuesday.

Florentino Perez speak to Real Madrid players in the locker room and promised them a bonus if they can do a comeback against Arsenal.

Perez to the players in the dressing room: "If you win and we qualify for the semi-finals, you will receive a reward from the club. (📰SPORT) pic.twitter.com/JFsHt2W35v

— sirkings media ⚽ (@sirkings97715) April 14, 2025

Guided by Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, the team has a sense of confidence about themselves; after all, this is not their first instance when it comes to reversing a tough deficit. In previous editions, they've discovered the resilience to overcome against all odds on uncountable occasions. 

But this time, the players are motivated by another powerful reason to stage an incredible comeback. 

Several Spanish media outlets and journalists covering Real Madrid have reported that president Florentino Pérez has promised his players a significant monetary reward to secure their spot in the semi-finals.

Real Madrid players via Instagram:

Bellingham: “See you on Wednesday!”
Vinicius Jr: “Already thinking about Wednesday”
Rodrygo: "See you on Wednesday, you will be the key.”

They're ready for Arsenal 👀 pic.twitter.com/bwW3CBxDA7

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 14, 2025

Real Madrid players are motivated ahead of the second leg

After Sunday's LaLiga game against Alaves at the Mendizorroza Stadium in Vitoria, which ended in a tight 1-0 win for Madrid, the president went down to the dressing room to congratulate the players on their achievement. 

According to reports, he then told the players that they stand to receive a huge bonus if they succeed in countering the challenge against Arsenal.

"If you win and we make it to the semi-finals, you will receive a reward from the club..." said the president of Real Madrid.

This is not the first time Florentino Perez has awarded the team an economic prize for overcoming key moments in both the domestic and continental competitions. 

Sources report that the team's most recent bonus was in March when they knocked out Atletico Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16, as every player received a €250k bonus each.

The 'kings of European football' for now remain engaged in preparations for the crucial game on Wednesday, which will kick off at 9:00 PM local time (17 April, 12:30 PM IST) at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Spain.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly set to leave Liverpool to join Real Madrid after his contract expires at the end of the season.

There have been a few massive Bosman moves over the years, and Alexander-Arnold would be the biggest ever to leave a Premier League club. Also, If he actually pens down to a move to Los Blancos, he would definitely replace an old teammate as the biggest in the Reds' Premier League record.

In this article, we explore the biggest free transfer exits for each of the 20 Premier League clubs.

Read Also | Trent to Real Madrid: Is it a done deal? Or is It just another rumor spreading?

Arsenal: Aaron Ramsey

Following eight long years at the North London club, Aaron Ramsey departed Arsenal on a free transfer in July 2019 to sign for Juventus.

Ramsey's departure was disappointing but no one could question him; the wages Juventus offered him were astronomical.

Aston Villa: Thomas Hitzlsperger

Thomas Hitzlsperger, renowned as 'Der Hammer', departed Aston Villa to change sides with VfB Stuttgart in July 2005 on a free transfer.

However, he returned to England five years later, signing with West Ham United in July 2010 and spending most of 2012/13 at Everton.

Bournemouth: Jefferson Lerma

Even though Lerma's exit was hardly convenient for Bournemouth in the build-up to returning to the top flight, it was a huge loss for them.

He was a key figure in the Cherries' midfield and has proved to be an inspirational free transfer recruit for Crystal Palace in July 2023.

Brentford: Christian Eriksen

The former Tottenham Hotspur midfield maestro was forced out of Serie A following his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020 and Brentford gave him a return to the Premier League, which was absolutely ideal in all respects.

Though he was desperate to retain him beyond the six-month deal he signed in January 2022, Brentford were unable to persuade Eriksen to put pen to paper, and the midfielder joined Manchester United.

Brighton: Jose Izquierdo

Jose Izquierdo departed Brighton to join Club Brugge in the Summer of 2021 on a free transfer.

The Colombian winger's stay in Belgium, however, was brief, as he retired in 2022 soon after being released by Brugge.

Chelsea: Antonio Rudiger

Thiago Silva, Andreas Christensen, Willian, Joe Cole, Michael Ballack, N'Golo Kante, Hernan Crespo, Nicolas Anelka, Andriy Shevchenko… Chelsea have a long list in this context to choose from.

Missing out on a top Antonio Rudiger would have hurt, though. The German centre-back was at Stamford Bridge for five years before he was roped in by Real Madrid in the Summer of 2022.

Crystal Palace: Wilfried Zaha

Zaha is undoubtedly Palace's all-time best player. He departed when his deal ran out in the summer of 2023, signing for Turkish giants Galatasaray in a bold switch for Champions League action.

After years of transfer rumors that had him joining Arsenal, Zaha failed to sparkle in Turkey and was sent out on loan to French club Lyon after one season. That did not quite work out either, and he is now playing for Charlotte FC in the MLS.

Everton: Wayne Rooney

Not the first time, as that was for a transfer fee, but the second time, Wayne Rooney departed Everton is likely their biggest Bosman loss of the Premier League era.

Rooney netted a staggering ten goals in 30 league games in 2017/18. His departure from Goodison Park was not only felt, but his arrival in America to play for D.C. United was shocking as well.

Fulham: Tosin Adarabioyo

Fulham messed up by allowing Moussa Dembele to move to Celtic, but that is a regret rather than a huge transfer. Tosin Adarabioyo departed the Cottagers for London rivals Chelsea in the summer of last year, during his peak years.

Ipswich: Sylvain Legwinski

Sylvain Legwinski, a former French midfielder, left Ipswich Town following the 2007/08 season and did not join a club until April of the following year before having a couple of months at St. Neots Town. 

Leicester City: Youri Tielemans

Caglar Soyuncu was a tragic loss, but nothing is close to Tielemans' departure at the end of the 2022/23 season.

The Belgian departed a club legend, having left with his FA Cup final goal in 2021. He was reportedly linked to Arsenal for ages before ending up with Aston Villa. Having had a struggling first year with Unai Emery, Tielemans is once again one of the top midfielders in the Premier League.

Liverpool: Georginio Wijnaldum

Liverpool lost Wijnaldum to Paris Saint-Germain in a 2021 summer transfer window that also saw the signings of Lionel Messi, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Sergio Ramos. It is little wonder that Wijnaldum's signing was overshadowed.

Manchester City: Ilkay Gundogan

Alongside Erling Haaland and KDB, Gundogan was likely City's most crucial player in their Treble-winning 2022/23 season, with his final task as City captain being to hold aloft the Champions League trophy.

But after a year at his dream destination, Barcelona, the German midfielder renewed his connection to City, signing for the club in 2024.

Manchester United: Paul Pogba

Pogba's experience at Manchester United was marred by debate. On His Day, he was a world beater. For the Red Devils' misfortune, he was quite literally only ever On His Day for France.

The best part of it all is that Man United let Pogba join Juventus for nothing in 2012, re-signed him for a world-record £89 million four years later, and then let him join Juventus for another free transfer in 2022.

Newcastle United: Jonas Gutierrez

Gutierrez's departure in 2015 was typical of what Newcastle were like under Mike Ashley's ownership.

The Argentine preserved the Magpies in the Premier League after returning to the squad after suffering from cancer and wound up being let go over the telephone by John Carver.

Nottingham Forest: Stuart Pearce

Following being at the club for 12 years, Pearce left on a Bosman move in 1997.

It was a miserable last season for Pearce, who took caretaker player-manager duties after Frank Clark's resignation. The job eventually shared with Dave Bassett, Forest slipped and a 35-year-old Pearce desired to be released, whereupon he became Newcastle United. 

Southampton: Stuart Armstrong

Stuart Armstrong departed from Southampton on a free transfer in September 2024 and signed for the Vancouver Whitecaps.

His contract at Southampton had run out at an earlier stage that summer. He was then signed as a Designated Player by the Whitecaps.

Tottenham Hotspur: Sol Campbell

The greatest free transfer in Premier League history. The 'Big Sol' called an unexpected press conference, revealing his incredible transfer from Spurs to Arsenal in 2001, leaving everyone in sheer shock.

Campbell had already informed fans that he was remaining but rejected the opportunity to become the Spurs' best-paid player to achieve his ambition of playing in the Champions League. There was nothing to suggest Arsenal were even in the running for his signature, but stunned reporters watched the sensational and iconic unveiling.

Campbell went on to become an Arsenal legend and an integral part of the Arsenal Invicibles.

West Ham: Ben Johnson

West Ham lost their academy gem, defender Ben Johnson, to Ipswich Town on a free transfer in July 2024.

Wolves: Adama Traore

The Adama's future was the subject for ages' worth of talk. Spurs were in the running for a while, and most expected a switch to a big club when his Wolves deal ran out in 2023. Unfortunately, he signed for Fulham.

Wolves might have received a reasonable price for the Spanish midfielder but were unfortunate to lose him on a free transfer.

Pep Guardiola, the City gaffer, has confirmed that Manchester City has activated a contract extension for Ilkay Gundogan, with the news emerging just days after Kevin De Bruyne announced his departure from the club.

One of the Premier League's greats, De Bruyne, made an emotional post on social media on the 4th of April, announcing his plans to depart from City after a glorious decade which included winning various trophies. The Belgian midfielder now has new options in mind, with the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer (MLS) as possible destinations.

𝘽𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙆𝙄𝙉𝙂: Ilkay Gundogan’s one-year contract extension at #ManCity has been triggered. 🚨‼️

Pep Guardiola: “What’s going to happen I don’t know, but he has one more year contract now.” ❗️

🎥 https://t.co/JOOzqBIQYi pic.twitter.com/YivWd0YITS

— City Report (@cityreport_) April 13, 2025

Although De Bruyne's contract will expire this summer, he is not the only one who will experience a change. City intends to rejuvenate their squad after hiring several young talents in the January window. Nevertheless, in a contrasting action, Gundogan has won an extension at the club.

Gundogan will stay at Manchester City until 2026

Gundogan, who had played a central part in City's treble triumph in the 2022-23 season, had come back to Manchester following a season at FC Barcelona, signing for the Catalan club on a free transfer. He was not initially thought to feature as a main starter in his second spell at City. 

However, following injuries to senior players, Gundogan has filled a bigger-than-anticipated role, playing 43 games across all competitions and recording more than 2700 minutes on the field.

Ilkay Gundogan: “He’s irreplaceable, what Kevin has done for the club is unbelievable. I think in the history of #ManCity, for me personally, there’s no better player than Kevin De Bruyne!

It was a pleasure for me to share the pitch with him for such a long time and seeing him… pic.twitter.com/YN8kl4Wth0

— City Report (@cityreport_) April 12, 2025

Gundogan, who has just turned 34, has now played more minutes than almost all of his teammates, except Josko Gvardiol. His regular performance and crucial contribution have earned him an automatic contract extension for one more season.

Guardiola affirmed Gundogan's contract status at a recent press conference, saying:

He has one more year contract, definitely. What’s going to happen in the summer, I don't know, but he has one more year contract now. The Gundo from Leicester, the Gundo from Bournemouth, the Gundo from today against Crystal Palace is the Gundo I remember, when we won the Treble and Quadruple and he was an important player. His activity, pace, and defensive intelligence have been massive for us. When the team plays well, the individuals rise. In modern football, you simply can’t do it any other way.

Even with this good news, Gundogan may still leave City again, with Galatasaray evidently showing great interest. If that happens, interested parties will need to present a transfer fee.

Despite being considered a City legend, Gundogan has struggled with his fitness and pace at times, citing a big difference on his return to the Premier League.

Guardiola himself admitted Gundogan's shortcomings by saying he doesn't "have the legs to run 40m", but now the German midfielder appears to be staying at the Etihad until 2026.

The first-leg matchdays of the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Quarter-final ties have definitely lived up to expectations, offering us some of the most iconic matches and memorable moments to cherish.

Arsenal have stunned Real Madrid at home through Declan Rice's spectacular free-kicks, whereas Barcelona have dismantled Dortmund to practically edge closer to the semi-finals.

Inter Milan and PSG have also earned the desired lead over Bayern Munich and Aston Villa, respectively, before heading on to the return leg next week.

Best first-leg performance? ✨#UCL pic.twitter.com/kebofmm9aD

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 10, 2025

UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Quarter-final First Leg Round Up

Arsenal 3-0 Real Madrid

Arsenal have stunned Real Madrid, the reigning champions in the first leg, by crushing them 3-0 at the Emirates to secure a huge lead in the tie.

Declan Rice's free-kicks have taken all the spotlights and convincingly so, as the Gunners remain unbeaten against Los Blancos on a Champions League night.

Right in the top corner from Rice 😳#UCL pic.twitter.com/ir38EOf6X2

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 9, 2025

After a goal-less first half, Rice rocketed both of his free-kicks into the net in the 58th and 70th minute, and Mikel Merino found a third one in the 75th minute. The North London Club scored three in just 17 minutes!

Arsenal will travel to Real Madrid for the return leg encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu on April 17th.

Read Also | Arsenal vs Real Madrid UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Quater-final 1st leg Highlights: Declan Rice's stunning brace and Merino's goal hand Arsenal a 3-0 lead in the first-leg

Bayern Munch 1-2 Inter Milan

An electric game ended in Inter Milan's favour as the Italian club scored a late winner to earn a 2-1 away victory over Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.

Cesare Augusto and Marcus Thuram combined to set up a beautiful trivela goal from Lautaro Martinez, the Nerrazzuri skipper, in the 38th minute. Inter led at the break, but after a couple of wasted opportunities from both sides, Thomas Muller pulled off the equalizer for Bayern in the 85th minute, only ten minutes after coming off the bench.

Grinta, corsa...𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒔𝒊 🖤💙#ForzaInter #UCL #BayernMonacoInter pic.twitter.com/F21ElElyzX

— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter) April 9, 2025

However, Inter did not get startled and snatched a late winner in the 88th minute through Davide Frattesi's flashy strike in the 88th minute following another brilliant Augusto set up.

Inter Milan will welcome Bayern Munich at the San Siro Stadium in Milan on 17 April.

Read Also | Bayern Munich vs Inter Milan UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Quater-final 1st leg Highlights | Frattesi's late goal sinks Bayern at home; Inter lead in the tie | FT BAY 1-2 INT

FC Barcelona 4-0 Borussia Dortmund

FC Barcelona rampaged over Borussia Dortmund at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium, crushing them 4-0 to practically book their berth in the semis.

Raphinha scored a cheeky goal in the 25th minute of the game as the Catalan side led 1-0 at the break. However, the floodgates opened in the second half, with Lewandowski scoring a goal in the 48th minute and completing his brace in the 66th minute. Lamine Yamal netted the fourth one for Barca in the 77th minute, securing a massive lead in the tie.

That wasn't football.
That was poetry. pic.twitter.com/KFbKUJjKia

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 9, 2025

The Black-Yellow army will host Barcelona for the return leg on 16th April at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund.

Read Also | FC Barcelona vs Borussia Dortmund UCL 2024-25 Quarter-final 1st leg Highlights

Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 Aston Villa

Paris Saint-Germain came from behind to put three past Aston Villa, securing a 3-1 lead in the first leg at the Parc des Princes in Paris.

PSG showed a proper dominance over Villa throughout the match, despite Morgan Rogers drawing the first blood in the 35th minute. Desire Doue, the 19-year-old PSG wonderkid, netted the equalizer only four minutes later with a sublime long-ranger strike.

A first leg full of emotions! 😍

📸 Shot by Elo

pic.twitter.com/ka5eQa0OdO

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) April 10, 2025

The game remained all square at the break, but Khvicha Kvaratskhelia handed PSG the lead in the only four minutes into the second half. Nuno Mendes secured a two-goal lead in the tie with a marvellous finish in the dying moments of the game.

Read Also | Paris Saint-Germain vs Aston Villa UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Quater-final 1st leg Highlights | PSG dominate over Villa to secure a two-goal cushion in the tie | FT PSG 3-1 AVL

Welcome to our live coverage of the Arsenal vs Real Madrid UEFA Champions League 2024-25 quarter-final 1st leg match at Emirates Stadium.

This is Koushik Biswas, who will bring you the buildup, head-to-head stats, team news and real-time updates of the all-important match from our web desk. 

Real Madrid qualified for the last eight after a controversial penalty shootout win over Atletico Madrid, after losing four games to their road to the round of 16. 

In the meantime, Arsenal thrashed PSV by 9-3 on aggregate to reach the quarter-finals. 

We have an exciting 90-minute game at hand. So, sit back and relax as we bring you all the updates from Sportz Point's web desk.