Lucas Vazquez insists he was fouled by Medhi Benatia in crucial penalty decision

Lucas Vazquez has admitted Juventus defender Medhi Benatia ‘ran me down’ in the pivotal penalty decision that sent Real Madrid through to the Champions League semi-finals.

Los Blancos led Juventus 3-0 on aggregate going into the second leg of their quarter-final but a brace from Mario Mandzukic and a second half strike from Blaise Matuidi almost sent the tie into extra time.

Real were awarded the controversial penalty in dramatic stoppage time scenes after Vazquez appeared to be shoved to the floor by Benatia.

The Serie A side’s players were outraged at the decision by referee Michael Oliver but Vazquez believes it was a clear penalty.

‘Was it a penalty? Yes, Cristiano knocked the ball to me near the penalty spot and, just as I was about to finish it off, the centre-back came from behind me and ran me down. There’s no question about it,’ the winger told BeIN Sports.

‘Juve’s protests? They were normal, it was the last minute. Tonight needs to be a lesson for us. Whoever relaxes, pays for it. The Champions League forgives no-one.

‘We knew we had to suffer until the end and our goal puts us in the semi-finals, which is the most important thing.’ 

Real were awarded the controversial penalty after Vazquez was shoved to the floor by Benatia

Cristiano Ronaldo converted the crucial penalty in the 98th minute of the thrilling contest

Cristiano Ronaldo converted the crucial penalty and admitted after the dust had settled he also couldn’t see why Juventus’ players protested at the penalty decision.

‘The penalty? I don’t understand why they protested, Lucas was taken down from behind. If they didn’t provoke the penalty, it would’ve been a goal,’ he added.

‘Scoring in the 98th minute? Your heart beats quicker, but I calmed myself down. I knew it would be decisive.’