Rio Ferdinand praised Real Madrid's character to come from behind for the third successive Champions League knockout tie as they edged past Manchester City 6-5 on aggregate in the semi-final on Wednesday.
Riyad Mahrez gave City the lead on the night with a terrific finish, opening up a two-goal advantage in the tie.
However, Madrid staged a dramatic late comeback as Rodrygo scored twice within the space of three minutes to level the clash on aggregate.
This gave Ancelotti's side the momentum heading into extra-time and they were awarded a penalty in the 94th minute when Karim Benzema was brought down inside the box. The Frenchman picked himself back up and slotted the spot-kick into the bottom corner, sending Thibaut Courtois the wrong way.
City dominated possession and almost equalised through Phil Foden, whose header was tipped away by Courtois before Fernandinho couldn't tap in the rebound. Pep Guardiola's men pushed hard to grab a leveller but it wasn't enough as Madrid booked their place in this month's final, where they will take on Liverpool in Paris.
The Reds secured a 5-2 aggregate victory over Villarreal in their semi-final despite a mini fightback from Unai Emery's side. The two sides last played each-other in the quarter-final of last season's competition.
Ferdinand delivered his verdict on Madrid's performance and how they managed to grind out the win. He also added that no-one should 'doubt' their qualities to grind out results.
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He told BT Sport : "You should never doubt the players in this team. We have always said, experience counts for so much in this competition, but they showed heart, desire.
"These players, they have been there, they have seen this. The fact that they have so many players in this squad that have won multiple Champions League’s, at no point in this tournament did you see them panic.
"No matter where they are, what players that they have got, these boys trust each other, trust the manager, and this crowd, they have been crazy."
