Three questions and three answers from Manchester City 1-2 (1-5 agg.) Real Madrid

Manchester – Real Madrid marched into the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium, sealing a commanding 5-1 aggregate triumph over Manchester City. Vinícius Júnior struck either side of Erling Haaland’s close-range reply, converting a first-half penalty and tapping home in stoppage time to underline Madrid’s supremacy on the night and in the tie.

1. Would Real Madrid make it 36 times in a row progressing from a 3-0 first leg lead?

History said yes, and history repeated itself. Los Blancos have now protected a first-leg advantage of three or more goals on 37 occasions without ever being eliminated. Álvaro Arbeloa’s men not only preserved that immaculate record but dominated the Premier League champions even after Bernardo Silva’s red card for handball left City a man short. The result also meant Arbeloa became the first Madrid coach to win each of his first four knockout ties in the competition, sending morale soaring ahead of a likely quarter-final date with Bayern Munich.

Fran García, pressed into duty with Álvaro Carreras and Ferland Mendy unavailable, struggled at left-back, losing every tackle and duel and inviting two City penalty appeals. Yet the night offered a bright spot in goal: Andriy Lunin replaced Thibaut Courtois at the interval and produced three sharp saves, reminding supporters of his capabilities should the Belgian’s injury linger. Kylian Mbappé, declared fit on Monday, appeared for 21 minutes as a structured cameo rather than a rescue mission and picked up a soft yellow for time-wasting.

2. Is Álvaro Arbeloa to credit for Vinícius Júnior’s revival?

The numbers speak loudly. Vinícius has nine goals in 15 matches under Arbeloa, two more than he managed in 33 games beneath predecessor Xabi Alonso. His ice-cool spot-kick, just days after missing one against Elche, and his predatory finish in the 93rd minute showcased a striker reborn. With Mbappé hovering on the edge of the box late on, it was the Brazilian who gambled on the six-yard burst, a tell-tale sign of confidence restored.

Dean Huijsen, emblematic of Madrid’s rollercoaster campaign, looked every inch the elite prospect Europe fought to sign. The centre-back completed 94% of his passes, recorded 10 clearances and won both ground duels, second only to Arda Güler for forward-zone accuracy. Alongside Antonio Rüdiger, he repelled City’s star-studded attack and offered a glimpse of sustained excellence.

3. What awaits in the last eight?

Almost certainly Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga leaders crushed Atalanta 6-1 in Bergamo and average 3.6 goals per domestic match this term. Their only league-stage defeat came at Arsenal, and they have lost just twice in all competitions. A potential goalkeeper crisis for the Bavarians offers a sliver of hope, yet the heavyweight clash is precisely the sort of occasion on which Madrid have thrived this spring.