Ancelotti proud as Real Madrid dig deep for revenge in Manchester

MANCHESTER, England : Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti was beaming with pride after his team dug deep for long periods on Wednesday to keep Manchester City at bay and squeeze past them on penalties into the semi-finals of the Champions League.

"I love it when a team gives their all and sacrifices everything in big games like this one," he said after a pulsating two-legged quarter-final that ended 4-4 on aggregate before the Spanish side triumphed 4-3 in a penalty shootout.

It was sweet revenge for Real Madrid, who were thrashed 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium in their exit from the Champions League at the semi-final stage last year.

"I believe that there was no other way to beat Manchester City here. I'm proud of what we did," added Ancelotti, who paced nervously up and down the touchline during the shootout until defender Antonio Ruediger scored the winning kick.

"By the time the penalty shootout came, we were totally convinced we'd go through. You work, sacrifice and win however you can.

"We defended really, really well tonight. This was about survival. Madrid is a club based on always fighting to stay in situations where there seems to be no way out – but we always find a way."

Ancelotti said his counterpart, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, had been generous in defeat despite the frustration of seeing his team dominate possession but fail to win in Wednesday's second leg 1-1 draw.

"Pep Guardiola is a gentleman, always has been. He congratulated us, wished us good luck and that's what a real gent does," he said.

'MAGICAL NIGHTS'

After taking an early lead, Ancelotti's men were pressed back throughout the game, conceding late on but then hanging on through extra time until the penalties.

"We started well and scored in the