UCL: Buffon sent off as Madrid edge Juve in thriller to reach semis; Bayern advance

Italy and Juventus goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon, was sent off in what might be his last Champions League appearance as his side almost completed a comeback victory against Real Madrid, but failed.

The veteran shot stopper was shown red in the 93rd minute by referee Michael Oliver who had awarded a spot kick in favour of Real and Buffon may have used foul language in protest.

Trailing 3-0 from the first leg in Italy, Juve were determined to give the Spanish champions a fight at the Bernabeu, and they found the back of the net just two minutes into the game.

It was Mario Mandzukic who headed from Sami Khedira’s cross to give the Old Lady a perfect start, and it was he who doubled their lead with another header before half time.

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Both teams continued to have chances, but Juve finally drew level on aggregate on the hour mark when Blaise Matuidi pounced to capitalise on goalkeeper Keylor Navas’ error to make it 3-0.

The game was heading to extra time – as the three-minute added time was almost up – when Mehdi Benatia brought down Lucas Vazquez in the box, and Cristiano Ronaldo converted the penalty to send Real to the semifinals.

Real now join Liverpool, Roma and Bayern Munich, who drew goalless with Sevilla on Wednesday night to win 2-1 on aggregate, in the Champions League semifinals.

The draw for the last four will take place on Friday.

 

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