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Just over a year ago, Real Madrid defeated Manchester City in incredible fashion winning 3-1 after extra time despite being one nil down in the 89th minute, sending them into the champions league final. This year they played again, this time the first leg at the Bernabéu, certainly living up to expectations.
Manchester City dominated the ball early on and tested Real Madrid goalkeeper Courtois forcing him into low saves down to his left then right thanks to shots from Kevin de Bruyne, then Rodri.
Then, in the 36th minute, 20 year old Eduardo Camavinga picked up the ball in his own half before taking it through cities midfield and laying it off to wonderkid Vini Jr who fired the ball into the top left corner of the goal, beating Ederson.
De Bruyne would have one more chance which was saved by Courtois from close range before he would score his own. After a scrappy build up, captain Ilkay Gundogan laid the ball off to de Bruyne before firing a sumptuous first time strike into the bottom right corner to equalise the game.
Ederson denied a header from forward Karim Benzema at close range as well as a 90th minute long range effort from Aurélien Tchouaméni was beaten over the crossbar.
A very high intensity game seemed to not feature prolific striker Erling Haaland who, despite already scoring 51 goals in total this season, was restricted to only 22 touches all match.
The first leg has shown why the tie will be as electric as last year but will it live up to the glory of last years semi final? Could Man City be one step closer to finally winning the champions league? Or will Madrid go on and win it again?
The second leg will be played at the Etihad Stadium on the 17th of May.
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