Everything is open after the first Champions League semi-final between reigning champions Real Madrid and Manchester City. The match ended 1–1 after two dream goals.
Real Madrid took control of the game in the first half. Vinicius junior cut in from distance and the ball drilled into the left crossbar. It was Real Madrid’s only finish in the first half.
– It is normal for City to have a lot of possession. We shouldn’t stare blindly at it, says Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Manchester City and Real Madrid also met in the semi-finals of the Champions League last year. Then Real Madrid won, so City has revenge to claim.
The English champion club managed to fix a good starting position for the return at home. Kevin de Bruyne settled the final score at 1–1 with a dream strike midway into the second half.
– We came here to win. That we managed to come back after the goal behind was proof of our mental strength. A draw was a fair result, says City midfielder Jack Grealish.
City i grym form
Jack Grealish is confident City will break the Champions League curse and reach the final this year. A year ago, the team collapsed in the semi-final return away to Real Madrid, and the home field advantage may well be the tip of the iceberg this spring as well.
Manchester City have won all 14 of their home games this year with a goal difference of 49–7. In addition, the club is unbeaten in its last 21 clashes.
– We feel that we are impossible to stop at home at the moment, says Grealish.
The second Champions League semi-final is the Milan derby between AC Milan and Inter. The first match at San Siro is played tonight.
The return meetings take place next week.
Source: AFP
