Manchester (Archyde.com)
Manchester City beat Real Madrid 4-3 in a fun and exciting match in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, at the Etihad Stadium.
City advanced with a goal following 94 seconds, the fastest goal in the Champions League semi-final, by a header from playmaker Kevin De Bruyne.
Pep Guardiola’s team added the second goal in the 11th minute through Brazilian Gabriel Jesus, as he had a cross pass from De Bruyne before defender David Alaba and fired a powerful shot into the net.
Real reduced the difference through his traditional weapon, Karim Benzema, as the brilliant French striker met a cross pass from Ferland Mendy and turned it into a skillful touch into the net in the 33rd minute.
City restored the two-goal difference eight minutes following the break, following veteran substitute Fernandinho, who replaced the injured John Stones at right back, sent a cross that was easily rounded by Phil Foden into the net from close range.
But following only two minutes, Vinicius Junior ran from the left side, dribbled with Fernandinho with a charming touch, quickly penetrated into the penalty area and reduced the difference once more to make the score 3-2.
Bernardo Silva fired a powerful shot into the top corner of Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to boost City’s lead in the 74th minute.
But the excitement remained, as defender Aymeric Laporte touched the ball with his hand inside the area, to score Benzema’s second personal goal from a penalty kick eight minutes before the end of normal time.
Despite the four-way win, City might bemoan how many chances were missed over the two halves.
The return leg will be held in Madrid on May 4.
Liverpool will play Villarreal in the other first leg of the semi-final at Anfield on Wednesday.
