Vinicius Jr. Shines as Real Madrid Stuns Manchester City to Reach Champions League Quarterfinals

Kathmandu. Real Madrid has advanced to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals with the help of a stellar performance from star forward Vinicius Junior. Real secured their spot in the final eight by stunning Manchester City 2-1 in the second leg of the Round of 16, played early Wednesday according to Nepali time.

Manchester City faced major misfortune early in the match played at their home ground, the Etihad Stadium. City was reduced to 10 men in the 20th minute when Bernardo Silva received a red card. Immediately following this, in the 22nd minute, Vinicius Junior converted a penalty to give Real the initial lead.

Despite being a man down, City attempted an excellent comeback in the game. Erling Haaland scored in the 41st minute to bring the game level at 1-1. However, as City's defense struggled to hold on in the final moments of the match, Vinicius scored his second personal goal in injury time, securing the victory for Real.

Real Madrid, which also held a 3-0 lead from the first leg, advanced to the next round with an aggregate score of a commanding 5-1. Manchester City, considered a title contender, was eliminated from the competition after being defeated on their home turf.