One of the most highly anticipated matches of the Champions League took place today, thrilling for neutral fans and stressful for those of the playing teams. The exciting matchup was Real Madrid vs Manchester City, which has developed into quite a rivalry in the past few years.
Once again, the clash of these two giants of club football did not disappoint. Bernardo Silva scored a very early goal for City, in just the second minute. He was about to take a free-kick from quite far out, where hardly anyone would expect him to shoot from. However, he law a free-kick and managed to score with a ground shot.
However, this dream start did not keep the 14 time European champions down for long. In the 12th minute of the game, Camavinga took a shot from outside the box, which deflected of Manchester City defender Rubén Diaz and ended up in the back of the net.
Just 2 minutes later, Rodrygo, who had brought agony to City 2 years prior with 2 last-minute goals, did so again. Blocked by 2 City defenders and the keeper, he managed to get a shot through the legs of Manuel Akanji that slowly rolled into the back of the net.
The first half 2-1 in favour of Madrid. In the 66th minute, however, Phil Foden equalized for City, with a magnificent shot that found the top right corner. Hit with such power and precision, it would be difficult for any keeper to keep that one out, and Lunin was unable to do so.
Just 5 minutes later, Joško Gvardiol took a poweful shot from just outside the box, which was blasted into the far side of the net. This game was not just full of goals, but nearly all of them were extraordinary, and the one that was about to follow was no less.
Just 11 minutes before the end of normal time, Real Madrid found the equalizer they had been looking for. A beautiful cross from Vinicius Jr. ended with Fede Valverde absolutely smashing the ball into the bottom left corner with a perfect volley. The game ended 3-3, with the lead changing hands multiple times prior to the game ending in a draw. It was a fiercely competed match at the Santiago Bernabéu. Though City will have home advantage in the second leg, you can never write off Real Madrid, and the match will not be one to miss.