Real, City Cruise to the UCL Quarters

Sergio Ramos celebrates his goal against Valencia
Real Madrid Sergio Ramos celebrates his goal against Valencia.
PHOTO:
Sergio Ramos
Real Madrid

Real Madrid reached the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in three seasons with a clinical second-leg performance against Atalanta. Manchester City on the other hand reached the Champions League quarter-finals for a fourth successive season by completing a comprehensive 4-0 aggregate victory over Borussia Monchengladbach.

Leading 1-0 from the first leg, the record champions doubled their advantage in the tie when Luka Modric pounced on Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Sportiello's poor clearance to square for Karim Benzema to sweep home.

Skipper Sergio Ramos added Real's second from the penalty spot after Vinicius Junior was tripped just inside the area by Rafael Toloi.

The Italian side pulled one back through Luis Muriel's marvellous 25-yard free-kick but Marco Asensio's near-post finish quickly silenced any thoughts of a late fightback.

City on the other hand had a handsome 2-0 first leg advantage and took 12 minutes to get to the scoresheet Kevin de Bruyne's excellent 20-yard left-footed strike.

Ilkay Gundogan doubled the advantage when he slotted past goalkeeper Yann Sommer following a fine run and pass from Phil Foden, with the goal completing a 4-0 aggregate win.

Both matches in this tie were played at the Puskas Arena in Budapest because of coronavirus restrictions.

The draw for the quarter-finals is at 14:00 EAT on Friday.