Real Madrid, Manchester City played to a 1-1 draw.
By Jafar Gibbons
While Real Madrid is accustomed to success in the Champions League, the same cannot be said for Manchester City, who has never won the trophy in their history.
In recent times, after appointing Pep Guardiola as their manager, City’s focus shifted to continental success, via the Champions League. On Tuesday, City was at the Santiago Bernabeu with the sole intent to disrupt and oust the defending champions.
As tense as a match can be, this one certainly was, and from kick-off, we were entertained. Rodri had an early attempt saved by the ever-present Courtois and it seem as though from there, the tide of the tie was switched.
Madrid asserted themselves more and more as the first half weighed on and for a minute, it seems as though we were in for a Madrid riot of Manchester City. After an impressive run from box to box by Camavinga, the ball was then laid off for Vinicius Jr. who was more than delighted to be granted space by City’s defender and made good his attempt by letting off a rocket of a strike that would give Madrid a 1-0 lead in the 36th minute.
The second half started with the same intensity as the first finished with, but this time, City didn’t look out of place like they did in the first half. Kevin Debruyne and Bernardo Silva were particularly impressive in propelling City’s offensive comeback in the second half. It was through a Kevin DeBruyne strike, one for the ages, that the host found themselves leveled 1-1, with the breakthrough goal coming in the 67th minute.
Madrid kept the guests at bay for the remainder of the match, as Erling Haaland only had one real chance which was blocked by David Alaba. Real Madrid also had 2 appeals for Handball go unanswered.
The second leg is scheduled for Wednesday 17th May 2023. You don’t want to miss this one.
