The first semis of the Champions League was a 1-1 stalemate between Manchester City and Real Madrid.
Man City and Real Madrid were involved in yet another blockbuster game. Two teams were clashing in consecutive Champions League semi-finals; last year was won by Real Madrid.
The game that promised entertainment, lived up to its expectations. Manchester City started the game dominating both possession and chances created. In the first 25 minutes, only Man City had 4 shots on target and scared Courtois one too many times. Along with that City had been donning in possession and controlled 71% of the ball time with them in starting minutes.
However, it was Madrid that broke the deadlock. Vinicius Junior scores a screamer from outside the box far into the corner of the post, leaving Ederson with no chance to stop. Real Madrid went against the game of play and rose Bernabeu that was quiet for the first half hour within a minute.
Manchester City had to walk into the tunnel 1-0 down but they came back determined and yearning to get on the scoresheet, which they did. The second half was a mirror to the first one with Madrid dominating possession in the starting 20 minutes with Kevin De Bruyne scoring a screamer in the 67th minute of the game. The Belgian’s powerful effort from outside the box was too far for his international teammate Courtois to block. His goal was almost the same as that of Vinicius in the first half as if KDB was telling Junior that “If you can do that, so can I.”
Last year’s superstar and Madrid’s messiah for a long time now, Benzema had a silent affair and could not make the heartbeats faster of the traveling fans. For Man City, Haaland did have a chance or two here and there but could not make them count; this again has the eyebrows of critics raised on whether or not can Haaland perform in must win games.
The first leg ending 1-1 can be said to be an advantage to Man City considering the second leg on 17th May will be played at the Etihad. Can we finally see the Citizens take revenge and enter the final for the second time in the last three years or will we see a Madrid euphoria once again?
