Watch: Rafael Nadal saves 4 match points against David Goffin to advance to Madrid QF

Rafael Nadal fought back from the brink against David Goffin (right) in Madrid

Rafael Nadal saved four match points against an inspired David Goffin in a pulsating third-round clash at the Madrid Masters on Thursday (May 5).

Nadal, a lifelong Real Madrid fan, watched his favorite club rise from the dead to beat Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League semifinals on Wednesday. The Spaniard followed suit the following day, prevailing in a three-hour battle at the Caja Magica.

After taking the first set (6-3), Nadal had two match points to close out a straight-sets win. However, the opportunities went begging as Goffin stormed back to force a decider. In a thrilling deciding set, it was the Belgian's turn to blink with the finish line in sight as he squandered four match points, allowing Nadal to reach the last eight.

Here's a video of the Spaniard saving four match points against Goffin:

G L A D I A T O R 😍

All four match point saves as @RafaelNadal seals a special Madrid victory!

@RafaelNadal #MMOPEN https://t.co/phNlJCDPwE

Nadal will play compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals on Friday, May 6.

Rafael Nadal reaches 99th Masters 1000 quarterfinal, 20th on the trot

Rafael Nadal is through to the last eight in Madrid.

Rafael Nadal is now 22-1 for the season after staving off a stern challenge from Goffin. The legendary left-hander has now reached a record 99 quarterfinals in Masters 1000 tournaments, including 14 in Madrid. He's not lost before the quarterfinals in any of his last 20 appearances in the series, marking the second longest streak by any player in history.

Also Check Out :-Madrid Open 2022 Results

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🇪🇸 @RafaelNadal reaches ATP Masters 1000 QF No. 99.

@atptour | @ATPTour_ES | #MMOPEN https://t.co/Bj0Q42dXJF

Since suffering a third-round exit at 2017 Rogers Cup, the Spaniard has won six titles in this period, losing two finals, most recently at Indian Wells this year. Interestingly, Nadal also reached 20 consecutive Masters 1000 quarterfinals more than a decade ago.

The left-hander is looking to win a sixth title at the Caja Magica this weekend. A win would take him level with Novak Djokovic (37) atop the all-time Masters 1000 title leaderboard.

Earlier this year, Nadal became the first player in Masters 1000 history to win 400 matches in the tournament category. He achieved the feat by beating Dan Evans in the Round of 32 at Indian Wells.