Sports 17 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Vinicius Jr Brace Powers Real Madrid Past 10-Man Man City into Champions League Quarters
Vinicius Jr scored twice as Real Madrid defeated Manchester City 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium, securing a 5-1 aggregate win in the Champions League last-16 tie. The Brazilian's goals came after Bernardo Silva's red card for handball, marking Real's third straight knockout win over City. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/soccer/vinicius-jr-nets-double-as-real-madrid-dispatch-man-city-in-champions-league-last-16-5394708
Real Madrid advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals with a convincing 2-1 victory over Manchester City, completing a 5-1 aggregate triumph. Vinicius Jr was the star, netting a brace in an action-packed second leg at the Etihad.
City faced an uphill battle after a 3-0 first-leg loss in Madrid, where Federico Valverde’s hat-trick set the tone. Despite starting aggressively, their hopes faded early when Bernardo Silva was sent off in the 22nd minute for handling Vinicius’ shot on the line. VAR confirmed the penalty, which Vinicius converted to make it 1-0.
The Brazilian celebrated provocatively with a crying gesture towards City fans after hitting the post moments earlier. Erling Haaland pulled one back just before halftime, tapping in Jeremy Doku’s pass for his first goal since February 11, but momentum stayed with the visitors.
Several goals were disallowed in the second half, including efforts from Doku, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Valverde, and Vinicius. The match-winner arrived in the 93rd minute as Vinicius volleyed Aurelien Tchouameni’s pass past Gianluigi Donnarumma from close range.
This marks the third consecutive season Real Madrid have knocked out Pep Guardiola’s side. City fans had appealed for a penalty over a possible Fran Garcia handball, but it went unawarded. Now, Real Madrid under Alvaro Arbeloa look ahead, while City prepare for their League Cup final against Arsenal.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)