Kevin de Bruyne shines as Pep Guardiola's side clinch victory in a seven-goal spectacle
Kevin De Bruyne scored and assisted in the same Champions League game for only the second time in 59 appearances in the competition, after doing so against Real Madrid in February 2020
Manchester City showed their dominance in a thrilling Champions League semi-final first leg against Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium. The match ended with a 4-3 victory for City, giving them a slender advantage for the second leg at the Bernabeu.
A Magical Night of Football
Manchester City wasted no time setting the tone for an unforgettable night. Kevin de Bruyne, with a diving header from Riyad Mahrez's cross, put City ahead in the second minute. Gabriel Jesus quickly added a second goal, leaving Real Madrid reeling under relentless attacks.
Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden both scored for Manchester City in the second half
Real Madrid managed to find a lifeline when Karim Benzema swept home Ferland Mendy's cross after 33 minutes. However, City restored their two-goal advantage when Phil Foden, left unmarked, headed home a cross from Fernandinho. The game continued to be a rollercoaster of emotions, with Vinicius Junior scoring a superb individual goal for Real Madrid and Bernardo Silva firing into the top-left corner for City's fourth.
Manchester City's Frustration
While City will be pleased with their narrow lead, they will also feel frustrated. Their dominance over Real Madrid should have translated into a more comfortable advantage for the second leg. Pep Guardiola's side could have been four goals ahead before Real Madrid managed to score their first goal. Guardiola's frustration was evident when Mahrez chose to shoot instead of passing to Foden, who was unmarked in front of the goal.
Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden both scored for Manchester City in the second half
Despite their defensive vulnerabilities at times, City will take heart from the number of times they managed to carve open Real Madrid's defense. They will look to capitalize on their opponent's need to press for a goal in the second leg.
Benzema, the Real Madrid Talisman
Real Madrid, known for their ability to come back from losing situations, once again displayed their resilience. After being blown away by City's blistering opening, Karim Benzema's left-foot volley brought Real Madrid back into the game. The Brazilian youngster Vinicius Junior also displayed his magic, contributing to the second goal before Benzema's nerveless penalty.
Karim Benzema's 'Panenka' penalty was his 41st goal of the season for Real. He is the first player to score 40 goals in a single season for Real Madrid since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2017-18
Real Madrid, under coach Carlo Ancelotti, will look to draw inspiration from their home ground, the Bernabeu, as they aim to mount another comeback in the second leg.
All eyes now turn to the other semi-final, where Liverpool faces Spanish side Villarreal. The stage is set for an exhilarating finale at the Stade de France in Paris on May 28th.
Source: BBC Sport
