A seven-goal thriller saw the Citizens beat Real Madrid on home soil.
Manchester City defeated Real Madrid 4-3 in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie on Tuesday. The Blancos fought hard to keep the gap close, keeping their hopes of a comeback alive.
Another UCL night, another Benzema masterclass!
Man City started the game by scoring the opener in the second minute of the game through Kevin De Bruyne’s header. The Citizens continued their dominance while their opponents were struggling to find their feet at the Etihad Stadium.
Only nine minutes later, Pep Guardiola’s side doubled their lead. This time Gabriel Jesus used David Alaba’s defensive blunder to score his side’s second goal.
Real Madrid managed to stay in the game just enough for Karim Benzema to score their first goal. Following a fantastic cross from Ferland Mendy, the French striker smashed a precise strike into the corner of the net from inside the box.
The Citizens started the second half while being 2-1 ahead. They had missed way too many chances in the first half but started the second period with more composure.
Phil Foden managed to make it 3-1 for the Citizens only eight minutes after the interval. However, an impressive solo run from Vinicius Junior resulted in Real Madrid’s quick response just two minutes later.
City mounted enough pressure to double their lead, once again, through Bernardo Silva’s unstoppable strike in the 74th minute. However, an unnecessary handball from Aymeric Laporte inside the Citizens’ box provided the chance for the Blancos to come back into the game.
Karim Benzema stepped up to convert the penalty with a panenka chip right down the middle of the goal as he scored his 14th goal of the tournament.
Man City pushed to increase their lead in the final ten minutes, but their midfielders seemed too exhausted to provide more goalscoring chances.
What’s next for City and Real Madrid?
The two sides will face off in the second leg of their semi-final tie on next Wednesday. Before that, they must return to their respective domestic leagues.
Man City will have to continue their close title race with Liverpool when they meet in-form Leeds United on Saturday. On the other hand, Real Madrid will look to (at least) secure a point against Espanyol to win the La Liga title.
Player Ratings
Manchester City: Ederson (5), Stones (6), Dias (6), Laporte (5), Zinchenko (7), De Bruyne (8), Rodri (6), B. Silva (8), Mahrez (7), G. Jesus (8), Foden (7).
Bench: Sterling (5), Fernandinho (7).
Real Madrid: Courtois (5), Carvajal (7), Eder Militao (6), Alaba (4), Mendy (7), Valverde (6), Kroos (7), Modric (6), Rodrygo (6), Benzema (9), Vinicius (8).
Bench: Ceballos (7), Asensio (6), Nacho (5), Camavinga (6).
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