We always knew Manchester City vs Real Madrid would be a blockbuster semi-final fixture but nothing prepared us for this 6-goal thriller at the Etihad. Pep’s Cityzens run away with a 4-3 win in the first leg of the contest, with goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Gabriel Jesus, Phil Foden and a screamer from Bernado Silva.
It took Manchester City 11 minutes into the game to be two goals up but Karim Benzema ignited hope as he pulled one back for Real Madrid. Phil Foden made it 3-1 at the restart but Vinicius was quick to close the gap for a 3-2 scoreline. Bernado Silva then restored the 2-goal advanantage with a stunning goal in the 74th minute but Benzema reduced the deficit with a wonderful penalty in the 82nd minute.
🔴 Live Blog
FULL TIME
The full-time whistle goes at the Etihad Stadium, and it is Manchester City who will take the advantage into the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final with Real Madrid, after they came out on top in a supremely entertaining seven-goal thriller.
Goal: Manchester City 4-3 Real Madrid
PANENKA! Karim Benzema has just played a Panenka from the penalty spot to get Real Madrid’s third of this madcap match. Ederson looks furious with himself about that one. The Etihad Stadium falls silent, then trickles back to life. This is pure sporting theatre.
What a Goal! Manchester City 4-2 Real Madrid
Bernado Silva with an absolute stunner! Referee with the assist by giving advantage after Zinchenko was fouled and Silva sent a rocket to the back of the net!
Goal! Manchester City 3-2 Real Madrid
Madrid pull another one back! Vinicius with a stunner – turns Fernandinho out on sideline near half-way, sprints clear and slides ball under Ederson.
Goal! Manchester City 3-1 Real Madrid
Phil Foden finally gets on the scoresheet tonight, heading in unmarked into the bottom corner.
Second Half
We are back for the second 45 minutes! Will Real Madrid find their way back into this encounter or will Manchester City take it further than it is?
De Bruyne Re-writing History
Kevin De Bruyne has scored the fastest Champions League goal in Manchester City’s history.
Half Time
An incredible first half which saw Kevin De Bruyne and Gabriel Jesus score early on, before Karim Benzema grabbed a goal back. It’s still all to play for in this contest.
40 Goals for Benzema
Karim Benzema hits 40 goals in a season for the first time in his career.
Goal! Manchester City 2-1 Real Madrid
Who else but that man again, Karim Benzema! He catches a cross from the left edge and the bounce of his finish allows him to wrongfoot Ederson. Manchester City see their lead trimmed. What a finish that is. Pure class.
Another Goal! Manchester City 2-0 Real Madrid
Gabriel Jesus cannot stop scoring for Manchester City! De Bruyne whips one into Jesus who turns and places one past Courtois to reward City’s sustained pressure!
Goal! Manchester City 1-0 Real Madrid
The Cityzens are off to a flying start! Fantastic work down the right from Mahrez, he cuts inside and floats one onto the head of De Bruyne who plants it past Courtois!
Kick Off!
And so it begins at the Etihad! The first leg of the Champions League semi-final fixture between two giants, whoever wins tonight would have the advantage. It’s hard to avoid the conclusion from the Chelsea tie that Real Madrid need mistakes to beat Manchester City over two legs. Heavy underdogs with one hell of a punchers chance in Benzema.
Almost Time
You do not want to know what is going through the minds of the players right now! What will you do if thousands of fans depend on you to deliver a Champions League Final ticket?
Big Benz
Karim Benzema makes his 600th appearance for Real Madrid today. What a Legend!
The stars are out to shine tonight, it is one for the history books. Can Pep Guardiola’s Cityzens conquer Real Madrid in their bid for a first Champions League trophy?
Starting XI
John Stones will be playing right back tonight with the absence of Cancelo and Kyle Walker. Gabriel Jesus will lead the lines after an impressive performance over the weekend.
Casemiro is fit enough to start from the bench, while Alaba is fit enough to start. Benzema leads the lines for Los Blancos.
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Up real Madrid
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Later
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