Manchester City secured a slim 4-3 win over Real Madrid in the semi-final first leg at the Etihad stadium. The hosts took the lead after barely 3 minutes of action through Kevin De Bruyne after he headed home a sublime cross from Riyad Mahrez. In form Brazilian Forward Gabriel Jesus added the second within 12 minutes of play making it his 6th goal involvement in his last 2 games with things looking unlikely for him this summer regarding his stay at the Etihad.
France Forward Karim Benzema on his 600th appearance for the Los Blancos with a superb volley brought the game in sight for Madrid before Phil Foden headed in a 3rd shortly after the second half began. Real Madrid fought back and Vinicius Jr. scored a beautiful solo goal. With the game looking back in hand for the whites, Bernado Silva restored the cityzens two goal advantage until Karim Benzema calmly chipped a late penalty down the middle after Aymeric Laporte handled the ball.
The game ended 4-3 with Pep Guadiola's men edging slightly over Carlo Ancelloti's White angels. The two face off in the second leg next week Wednesday at the Santiago Bernabeu. Will Manchester City hold on to its lead or Real Madrid will pull another outstanding comeback with experience ?