Lost With Diginity

The first half of extra time began, and the tension at Camp Nou reached new heights. Both teams stared at each other as arch-rivals, fully aware that a single goal could decide everything. Barcelona appeared determined to dominate, but Manchester City exuded incredible confidence, especially after Kenneth's goal had equalized the aggregate.

Barcelona started extra time with intense energy. Messi and Neymar alternated attacks from the right and left flanks, forcing City's defenders to work harder than ever. In the 96th minute, Suarez received a golden opportunity when Iniesta passed the ball to him at the edge of the penalty box. Suarez turned and unleashed a powerful shot, but Joe Hart made a brilliant save, deflecting the ball with one hand. The near-eruption of Barcelona fans turned into collective sighs of disappointment.

Gary Neville murmured, "Joe Hart has just kept City alive again. It's incredible how he's standing tall against Barcelona's relentless attacks."

City did not remain passive. Kenneth, who continued to attract special attention from Barcelona's players, became the motor of City's attack. In the 100th minute, Kenneth received the ball from Fernandinho and began moving down the right wing. He bypassed Jordi Alba with a body feint and, without hesitation, sent a cross toward Aguero. However, Aguero's header narrowly missed Ter Stegen's goal.

Martin Tyler commented enthusiastically, "Oh, so close from Aguero! Kenneth with the beautiful cross, and you can feel City pressing for that one decisive goal."

Barcelona quickly responded with a counterattack. In the 103rd minute, Messi initiated a solo run from midfield, elegantly dribbling past several City players. He passed the ball to Neymar inside the penalty box. Neymar fired a first-time shot, but the ball hit the crossbar hard and bounced out. City's defenders swiftly cleared the ball, while Joe Hart exhaled in relief.

Martin Tyler said in amazement, "And the crossbar denies Neymar! What a nerve-wracking moment for Manchester City."

The final minutes of the first half of extra time grew even more heated, with both teams playing ruthlessly. A hard tackle by Fernandinho on Rakitic stirred the crowd, but the referee issued only a warning, sparing him a card. Barcelona's players began to show frustration as their persistent pressure failed to yield a goal. Meanwhile, City looked increasingly spirited and confident in their ability to score a shocking goal.

In the 105th minute, just before the whistle blew to end the first half of extra time, Silva received the ball near the penalty box. Quickly, he executed a one-two with Yaya Toure and then fired a low shot toward the bottom left corner of the goal. The ball seemed destined for the net, but Ter Stegen made an extraordinary save, pushing the ball out.

Gary Neville exclaimed, "What a save from Ter Stegen! City so close to a goal that could have sent Barcelona out."

The first half of extra time ended with the score still 1-2, aggregate 3-3. Both teams walked to the sidelines for a brief rest, while the fans at Camp Nou continued their relentless support, knowing everything would be decided in the final 15 minutes.

The second half of extra time began with unmatched intensity. Both teams knew they had only 15 minutes to avoid a penalty shootout, and the atmosphere at Camp Nou grew increasingly tense. Barcelona, facing the threat posed by Manchester City during extra time, tried to regain dominance, while City, buoyed by the momentum of Kenneth's goal, continued to seek opportunities.

In the 112th minute, Kenneth nearly created a moment to be remembered in football history. David Silva received the ball on the right and spotted Kenneth making a run into the penalty box, free from Barcelona's defenders. Silva delivered a perfectly lofted pass that landed at Kenneth's feet. With one touch, Kenneth controlled the ball, positioned himself, and struck a powerful shot toward the goal.

The ball flew past Ter Stegen, hit the underside of the crossbar, and bounced down—seemingly across the line. Kenneth raised his hands, confident it was a goal, but the ball bounced out, and the referee gave no signal. The game continued.

Martin Tyler was nearly speechless, "Oh my word! Has that crossed the line? That looked like a goal! Kenneth Lee is pleading with the referee, but there's no reaction."

Gary Neville added in frustration, "It's Lampard's disallowed goal all over again! This could haunt Manchester City if they don't get the win here."

City's players surrounded the referee, demanding clarity, while Kenneth knelt on the pitch, his face a picture of disappointment. However, the referee insisted play continue, and Barcelona quickly exploited City's confusion to launch a counterattack.

In the 115th minute, Barcelona orchestrated a move that nearly spelled disaster for City. Lionel Messi, who had been a constant threat throughout extra time, received the ball from Neymar outside the penalty box. Spotting Joe Hart slightly off his line, Messi executed a deft lob toward the goal.

Camp Nou held its breath, believing this would be the decisive goal. Yet suddenly, like a lightning strike, Vincent Kompany sprinted back and cleared the ball off the line just before it crossed.

City's players surrounded Kompany in praise. Exhausted, he lay momentarily on the pitch, drained from the effort of containing Suarez, Neymar, and Messi. His leadership, stamina, and determination shone brightly in this critical match.

Martin Tyler, nearly at a loss for words, said, "Kompany! He's saved Manchester City! Unbelievable clearance on the line, and he's kept City's dreams alive."

Gary Neville added admiringly, "That's pure leadership and determination from Kompany. He's given everything for this moment, and it's moments like these that define a captain."

With only a few minutes remaining, both teams grew increasingly desperate for a deciding goal. But time ran out, and no further attacks breached either defense. The second half of extra time ended without additional goals, leaving the aggregate score tied at 3-3.

Manchester City and Barcelona now had to prepare for a penalty shootout. The players readied themselves, tension etched on their faces as they realized their Champions League fate would be decided from the spot.

Barcelona's fans—the Cules—could hardly believe what they were witnessing. Despite dominating the match, Barcelona was forced into a penalty shootout. With Joe Hart delivering an extraordinary performance, the nerves among their supporters were palpable.

As the players prepared for the penalties, Camp Nou grew increasingly tense. Enrique consulted briefly with his assistants, José Carlos and Roberto Moreno, who handed over City's penalty data. Initially compiled casually, confident Barcelona would win in regular time, it now became critical. Ter Stegen grabbed his water bottle with notes on City's penalty takers, glancing at the information before placing it beside the goal for reference.

Lionel Messi stepped up first, accompanied by the cheers of Barcelona fans. He appeared calm, but as he approached the ball, tension showed. Messi aimed for Joe Hart's left side, but his shot went wide. Camp Nou fell silent in disbelief.

Sergio Aguero was next for Manchester City. Focused, his gaze fixed on Ter Stegen. When the whistle blew, Aguero shot to the left. Ter Stegen guessed correctly, diving to deflect the ball with his fingertips. Relief spread among Barcelona's fans, while City looked disappointed.

Luis Suarez confidently took the next penalty for Barcelona. He struck the ball hard to Joe Hart's right, who dived the wrong way. A goal for Barcelona, putting them ahead 1-0 in the shootout.

David Silva stepped up next for City. He aimed for the top-left corner but sent the ball too high, hitting the crossbar. City remained behind as Barcelona edged closer to victory.

Neymar followed for Barcelona. The Brazilian appeared relaxed, but his lack of precision showed. His shot went down the middle, and Joe Hart, diving left, managed to deflect it with his foot. Barcelona was stunned; City's hope remained alive.

Yaya Toure then took his turn for Manchester City. Under immense pressure, he failed to beat Ter Stegen, who read the shot and made the save. Barcelona still led, and City was running out of time.

Andres Iniesta, Barcelona's midfield maestro, stepped up to extend their lead. Calmly, Iniesta directed the ball to the bottom-right corner, out of Joe Hart's reach. A goal, and Barcelona led 2-0, with the Camp Nou full of hope.

But just as the situation seemed dire for City, Kenneth Lee stepped forward. The young player, who had already contributed significantly throughout the match, carried City's hopes on his shoulders. Confidently, Kenneth struck the ball into the top-right corner, deceiving Ter Stegen. A goal for Manchester City made it 2-1.

Rakitic took the final penalty for Barcelona. If he scored, Barcelona would secure victory. He stared at the goal, took a deep breath, and shot toward the bottom-left corner. Joe Hart dived the wrong way, and the net rippled.

Barcelona won the penalty shootout 3-1, and Camp Nou erupted in celebration.