Man City vs Real Madrid: Two Players Decline Penalty Responsibility in Intense Showdown

• Two players opted out of penalties in the Manchester City vs Real Madrid shootout
• City duo Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic missed their penalty in the shootout
• Antonio Rudiger scored the crucial spot-kick to help Real Madrid beat Man City

Two players were reluctant to take a penalty during the tense Champions League quarter-final shootout between Manchester City and Real Madrid, according to reports.

Following a 1-1 draw on Wednesday night, which left the teams level at 4-4 on aggregate, Antonio Rudiger secured victory with the winning penalty kick.

Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic saw their attempts saved, allowing the 14-time winners to advance with a 4-3 shootout victory.

Los Blancos found solace in penalties despite Luka Modric missing from the spot. Silva's attempt to go down the middle was met by Andriy Lunin's resolute stance, while Kovacic's shot was thwarted.

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City goalkeeper Ederson stepped up for the fifth kick, converting it successfully, but Antonio Rudiger's decisive strike slipped past him.

The penalty decisions from both teams raised eyebrows, especially when the Brazilian safest pair of hands confidently stepped up and calmly converted from the spot.

Two players 'refuse' penalty duties

But it has come to light that for Carlo Ancelotti's side, two players opted out of taking a penalty.

According to Madrid Universal, both Federico Valverde and Eder Militao declined the responsibility of spot-kick duties.

Valverde would have been considered a key candidate for penalty duty, but he was struggling with tiredness and was not in the five takers.

Militao decided against taking a penalty as he didn't feel confident facing his Brazil teammate Ederson, with whom he shares a close relationship.

City endured a bitter end, feeling they outperformed their opponents.

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However, Madrid's resilience paid off, and they will be optimistic about their prospects against a seemingly less formidable Bayern side in the semi-final, per Skysports.

Bellingham lauds Real Madrid's mentality

Sports Brief also reported that Jude Bellingham lauded Real Madrid's mental strength as they prevailed in a penalty shoot-out, ousting Manchester City from the Champions League.

The 20-year-old, a key player in Los Blancos' 4-3 victory on penalties, credited their success to coach Carlo Ancelotti's cultivation of belief and resilience under pressure.