Real Madrid vs Manchester City, QF, 1st Leg Review

Defending champions, Manchester City drew 3-3 in their first leg Champions League quarter final clash against forteen time champions Real Madrid. 

The English side got off to a great start in front of a hostile Santiago Bernabeu crowd inside the first few minutes as they opened the scoring, but were dazed as the hosts raced into a 2-1 lead after two quick goals from Ruben Dias (own goal) and Rodrygo. 

Two breathtaking goals from wonderkid Phil Foden and defender Josko Gordiol put the visitors ahead in the second half, however Federico Valverde grabbed the equaliser via a stunning, well controlled volley late in the game. 

Manchester City got the early lead through Jack Grealish who drew a reckless challenge from Aurelin Tchouameni which saw the French international get booked and, as a result, he will miss the second leg slated for next week. From the resulting set piece, Bernando Silva caught out Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin from distance to hand City an excellent early goal. 

Los Blancos did not take long to respond. Eduardo Camavinga dropped shoulder to move away from his marker and smashed a long shot that hit Ruben Dias on the way, catching Stefan Ortega wrong footed.

Real Madrid then raced into the lead through Rodrygo who was found in by his fellow countryman Vinicius Junior which was deflected off Manuel Akanji. 

After an exciting 45 minutes, the second commenced in a similar fashion with end to end football between the two heavyweights at Bernabeu. 

City knocked at the door of an equaliser before finally getting the deserved goal through a wonder strike from Phil Foden. The precipitous winger powered in a remarkable dive into the top corner after creating a rare pocket of space just outside Madrid’s box.   

Minutes later and the reigning champions found themselves in front after yet another clinical strike. This time from a defender- Josko Gvardiol. Gvardiol, who prior to this game was an uncertainty, hit a thunderbolt from distance to take his team in the lead.  

But the drama did not end there as Madrid struck once again with a glorious hit. Federico Valverde shot a picture perfect volley to bring the score level just when it looked like the visitors would run away with the game. 

Neither of the two sides could manage a winner with the match ending in a draw with all to play for next week.