Real Madrid 3-3 Man City: Champions League quarter-final evenly poised after classic first leg

Holders Manchester City and Real Madrid shared six targets in a thriller to go away their Champions League quarter-final evenly poised after the first leg on the Bernabeu.

Two deflected strikes introduced 14-time European Cup winners Madrid stage. First Eduardo Camavinga’s long-range effort hit Ruben Dias and spun into the far nook of Stefan Ortega’s objective, earlier than Rodrygo obtained in behind the City defence and poked residence by way of Manuel Akanji’s heel.

City have been dominant in possession all through however lacked high quality within the closing third – till Phil Foden stepped up.

The England midfielder had been on the sting of the sport however discovered house simply exterior the world to show and fireplace into the highest nook to drag City stage.

Moments later left-back Josko Gvardiol lower in and located the far nook with an outstanding right-foot shot to attain his first objective since becoming a member of City from RB Leipzig in the summertime.

However, Madrid equalised with a shocking volley from Federico Valverde to arrange an intriguing second leg on Wednesday, 17 April at Etihad Stadium, the place City beat Madrid 4-0 within the final season’s semi-finals.

There was late concern for City although, with Foden hobbling after a late deal with on his ankle.

City present resolve

Manchester City, who gained this competitors for the first time final season as a part of a historic Treble, got here into this sport with Kevin de Bruyne on the bench after the Belgium midfielder was ailing on Tuesday.

They obtained excellent begin when Silva cleverly curled within the opener after Aurelien Tchouameni, who will now miss the second leg, fouled Jack Grealish.

Guardiola’s staff have been rocked by Madrid’s quickfire response, however confirmed endurance of their build-up with Madrid pleased to sit down off the Premier League champions, solely urgent when City obtained close to the penalty space.

It labored for giant elements of the sport and opened up counter-attacking alternatives for Carlo Ancelotti’s aspect, however City’s high quality finally advised.

Foden had been quiet, drifting between extensive proper and attacking midfield, however his very good season continued when he well turned and fired an unstoppable drive into the top-right nook of the objective.

When Gvardiol put the guests forward only a second win on the Bernabeu seemed on for City, earlier than they have been pegged again by Valverde’s fantastic low drive.

However, City now have the possibility at residence to progress to the semi-finals for the fourth consecutive season, the place lately they’ve blown sides away within the Champions League.

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