Real Madrid and Manchester City played out an exciting 3-3 draw in a thrilling Champions League quarterfinal match at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid on Tuesday. The match's outcome leaves the tie wide open for the second leg next week. Both teams aim to secure their spot in the semifinals. Read more Sports news here
Bet Champions League on 1xBetJust two minutes into the match, Bernardo Silva of Manchester City stunned the Madrid crowd by taking advantage of a one-man wall to drill a free kick from outside the area just inside Andriy Lunin's right-hand post, giving City the lead.
After 12 minutes, Eduardo Camavinga scored with a long-range strike that deflected off defender Ruben Dias for an own goal after wrongfooting keeper Stefan Ortega, levelling the scores.
Vinicius Junior delivered a brilliant through-ball two minutes later, which Rodrygo took in his stride. However, Manuel Akanji deflected his weak goal-bound shot, giving the hosts the lead.
City equalized in the 66th minute with an outstanding goal by Phil Foden and took the lead five minutes later with a goal from Josko Gvardiol. Real Madrid secured a draw against Manchester City after Federico Valverde's stunning volley in the 79th minute, leaving fans eager for the return leg.
The main objective for Manchester City and Guardiola was to avoid a loss in the first leg, and they achieved it as they head back to Etihad for the second leg.
Bet on Champions League on 1xBet"It was, I think, a nice game." "We started really well, and after it is so difficult against Real Madrid because they defend so well and the pace they have up front is unbelievable, so always you concede transitions against that team, it is impossible to control it. "In the first half, we were a little anxious with the ball. After 2-1, we lose a lot of balls that players do not usually lose. But in the second half, we showed our incredible personality in the way we play because, at 2-1, it is a risk if we concede another goal.
Guardiola told TNT Sports
"If we come back to Manchester 3-1 or 4-1 it would be difficult. But we continued playing with a lot of composure, much better than the first half. We make two fantastic goals from Phil and Josko. In the end, Madrid, after 76 minutes in this stadium, is an eternity. "So, 3-3, we will take it. We have to win the game. Win the game to qualify for the semi-final. We will have our people. It will be sold out. We will need all of them to beat the kings of this competition."
Guardiola continues
The exciting first-leg encounter sets up an intriguing second leg at the Etihad Stadium on April 17th, with memories of City's 4-0 victory over Madrid in last season's semi-finals still fresh in the mind.
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