Real Madrid 3-3 Man City: Champions League quarter-final equal after a classic first leg

Manchester City and Real Madrid defenders shared six goals in a thriller to maintain the Champions League quarter-final level after the first leg on the Bernabeu.

Two deflected shots brought the 14-time European Cup winners level with Madrid. First, Eduardo Camavinga’s long-range shot hit Ruben Dias and hit the far corner of Stefan Ortega’s goal, then Rodrygo got behind the City defense and hit Manuel Akanji’s backheel.

City dominated possession but lacked quality in the ultimate third until Phil Foden joined.

The England midfielder was on the point of play but found space just outside the box to show and fire a shot into the highest corner, bringing City level.

Moments later, left-back Josko Gvardiol converted the far corner with a superb right-footed shot to attain his first goal since joining City from RB Leipzig in the summertime.

However, Madrid equalized with a stunning Federico Valverde volley to establish an intriguing rematch on Wednesday, April 17 on the Etihad Stadium, where City had beaten Madrid 4-0 in last season’s semi-final.

City became concerned late in the sport, nevertheless, as Foden limped off after a late tackle on his ankle.

The solution of town for show

Manchester City, who won the competition for the first time last season as a part of a historic treble, went into this match with Kevin de Bruyne on the bench after the Belgian midfielder fell unwell on Tuesday.

They began brilliantly when Silva curled the ball cleverly early on after Aurelien Tchouameni, who will now miss the second leg, had fired Jack Grealish.

Guardiola’s team were shocked by Madrid’s quick response but showed patience within the build-up and Madrid were joyful to eliminate the Premier League champions, only pressing when City were near the penalty area.

This worked for many of the match and opened up opportunities for Carlo Ancelotti’s team to counter-attack, but ultimately it was City’s quality that showed it.

Foden was quiet and oscillated between right winger and attacking midfielder, but his good season continued when he cleverly turned and fired an unstoppable attack into the highest right corner of the goal.

When Gvardiol put the visitors ahead, a second victory on the Bernabeu awaited City before they were stopped by a wonderful low ball from Valverde.

However, City now have a likelihood on home soil to succeed in the semi-finals for a fourth successive season after having dismantled teams within the Champions League lately.

Madrid make the most of City’s lack of pace

This is a completely different Real Madrid team from the winning teams which have dominated the tournament this century.

Their overall form, often with 11 men behind the ball, showed City a lot of respect and maybe vulnerability after winning last season. a dismal defeat in Manchester.

However, their solid defense allowed them to use certainly one of City’s few weaknesses.

Guardiola’s side lack pace, especially with Kyle Walker’s continued absence, which allowed Rodrygo to get through to City and rating Madrid’s second goal.

The weakness was that Madrid, who top La Liga and had nine days off before the match, continued to aim, but Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo all saw efforts saved or converted.

It’s a tactic they’re more likely to use on the Etihad in eight days’ time, but Ancelotti’s men struggled to realize possession within the second leg against a red-hot City last season, so possibilities to play could also be few and much between.

It can be fascinating to see whether Guardiola’s side, who’re one point behind the Premier League leaders and within the FA Cup semi-finals, can repeat this and proceed their march to a different treble.