Madrid, Dec 9 (NationPress) As Real Madrid gears up to face Manchester City for the fifth time in consecutive Champions League seasons, winger Rodrygo reflects on his most memorable moment from their 2022 semifinal clash, where he netted his inaugural goal.

In the last four seasons, either team has eliminated the other from the knockout rounds, with both clubs securing three titles during this timeframe: Real Madrid in 2021/22 and 2023/24, and Manchester City in 2022/23.

Since their first meeting in the 2012/13 season, the two teams have clashed a total of 14 times. Over the past six seasons, they have contested 10 matches, showcasing remarkable highlights in each of the five knockout rounds.

Real Madrid has triumphed three times, notably during the semifinal comeback that led to their victory in securing the Decimocuarta in Paris in 2022.

Rodrygo shared with UEFA, “That’s definitely my most unforgettable football moment. The key moment came after I scored the first goal, when the fourth official indicated six minutes of added time. It felt like we had scored again – the fans erupted. Shortly after, I netted my second goal.”

Karim Benzema’s last-minute penalty sealed the hosts’ place in the final, where they overcame Liverpool 1-0 to clinch their 14th title.

However, in the rematch the following year, Real Madrid found themselves on the losing end, as Manchester City secured a 5-1 aggregate victory en route to their first Champions League title.

Rodrygo returned to the scoresheet and the winning side in the 2023/24 season as Real Madrid progressed through a penalty shootout in the quarterfinals.

He remarked, “The first leg was a spectacular match, a true spectacle.” He continued, “It encapsulated the essence of all the previous Manchester City versus Real Madrid encounters. It was a privilege to be on the pitch and score that day.”

The Brazilian then scored Real Madrid’s only goal during a 1-1 draw in Manchester, with Carlo Ancelotti’s team demonstrating resolute defense and winning 4-3 in the penalty shootout.

Rodrygo recalled, “The match in England was challenging. I was fortunate to score again, but we faced significant struggles throughout the game.”

Los Blancos progressed to defeat Bayern München in the semi-finals and Borussia Dortmund in the final, increasing their prestigious tally of European Cup/Champions League titles to 15.