Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema has explained why he opted for a Panenka penalty despite trailing by 2 goal margin.
Man City had led 4-2 before before Aymeric Laporte was penalized for handling the ball in the box 18 area.
A breathtaking game, packed with chances and moments of individual brilliance, was a treat for those watching but left City, who had the better of the game, with the slenderest of leads to defend at the Santiago Bernabeu next Wednesday.
At the post match conference Benzema revealed that he’s had it in mind that if he doesn’t play penalties he can never miss one.
Benzema said: “I always have it in my head that if you don’t take a penalty, you will never miss a penalty. That’s mental confidence and that’s all. I have a lot of confidence in myself… so I do it and it turns out well.
His boss Carlo Ancelotti said, “I think he changed because the last two penalties were not good. He tried in training, I didn’t know how he would shoot. He chose this [Panenka] and he did really well, showing strong personality and character. It’s not easy in the semi-final of the Champions League to shoot a penalty like this.”
The second leg of the semi-final encounter holds next week Wednesday at the Bernabeu in Spain. Man City go into the match with 4-3 advantage.