Manchester City put up a fantastic show at Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium as they emerged winners in the first tie of the UCL semi-finals contest.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City hammered Real’s goal for lengthy periods of time, but Carlo Ancelotti’s side continued rising from the ashes to keep themselves in contention for another final.
As Real reeled under wave after wave of attacks, Kevin De Bruyne set the tone with a diving header from Riyad Mahrez’s cross in the second minute, and in-form Gabriel Jesus promptly added a second from close range.
When Riyad Mahrez struck the side-netting instead of finding the unmarked Phil Foden, who went inches wide, Pep Guardiola was furious. Karim Benzema, however, provided Real a lifeline by sweeping home Ferland Mendy’s cross after 33 minutes.
Real’s ability to survive when they look beaten after coming back from losing positions to overcome Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea in their previous knockout ties is frequently a mystery.
But a comeback seemed impossible after they were swept away by a blazing City start, which sent them two down after only 11 minutes.
Despite their difficulties elsewhere, the La Liga leaders exude a sense of threat that prevents concentration from slipping. They proved it once more as they dusted themselves off in order to save themselves.
It was no surprise that Benzema was the scorer, demonstrating his skill with a left-footed volley past Ederson to make it 2-1.
