Real Madrid and Juventus confirmed their places in the Champions League semi-finals last night, but were both run close by their opposition.
The pair will join fellow European superpowers Bayern Munich and Barcelona in the last four of the competition.
Real Madrid progressed past arch-rivals Atletico Madrid with a 1-0 aggregate victory, after Atleti had saw Turkish midfielder Arda Turan dismissed in the 76th minute for a second bookable offence following a challenge with Real defender Sergio Ramos.
Los Blancos did not make the breakthrough until the 88th minute. Cristiano Ronaldo played a one-two with James Rodriguez, before crossing for on-loan Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez to score a tap-in from close-range, cue wild celebrations from the home fans at the Bernabeu.
There was no way back for Diego Simeone’s men, as Real claimed their first victory over their neighbours in eight encounters this season.
Juventus made it through with a goalless draw in Monaco, so progressed 1-0 courtesy of their first leg victory in Turin.
There were few clear-cut chances in the match. The closest either side came to scoring was late on in the game, as veteran Juve midfielder Andrea Pirlo’s superb long-range free-kick hit the Monaco crossbar.
The visitors could have had a penalty on 35 minutes though. Geoffrey Kondogbia was sandwiched between Arturo Vidal and Giorgio Chiellini in the area, but Scottish referee Willie Colum waved away the Monaco appeals, much to their anger.
Juve’s only real first half effort came just before half-time, as striker Carlos Tevez rolled an effort wide of goal from 25 yards out.
Monaco pushed forward desperately in search of an equaliser, but created very little and the Italian side held on to progress to the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in 12 years.
Can Juventus shock the competition favourites in the semi-finals?
