Kevin De Bruyne's brilliant drive earned Man City a 1-1 draw at Madrid
In a thrilling semi-final first leg of the Champions League, Kevin De Bruyne’s superb strike helped Manchester City draw 1-1 with Real Madrid on Tuesday. The Belgian player scored the equalizer after Vinicius Junior’s equally impressive goal gave the reigning champions the lead.
Madrid managed to keep the lethal striker Erling Haaland at bay, but De Bruyne’s powerful effort left the tie evenly poised ahead of the second leg in Manchester next week. Madrid knocked City out at the same stage last season despite being outplayed in both games. This year, City will be looking to win their first ever Champions League trophy.
Pep Guardiola selected Kyle Walker at right-back to counter the threat of Real Madrid winger Vinicius, while Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti chose Toni Kroos at the base of midfield. Rodrygo started after his Copa del Rey heroics on Saturday. The visitors dominated the first half with nearly 70 percent possession, but went into the break trailing 1-0. Thibaut Courtois had to field a barrage of shots from De Bruyne, Rodri, and Haaland as Madrid sat back, soaking up the pressure.
Madrid took the lead through a lethal counter-attack when Eduardo Camavinga surged past Bernardo Silva, fed Vinicius, who scored from almost 25 yards, past Ederson's dive. Dani Carvajal's attempts at shackling Jack Grealish, including slamming him into the advertising hoardings without punishment, angered City.
David Alaba thwarted Haaland with a fine block early in the second half, as Madrid kept the Norwegian goal machine under lock and key on his first appearance against them.
Madrid's pressing was greatly improved after the break, pinning City back at times, but De Bruyne’s strike saw City level the scores. Ederson saved a Benzema header and a vicious Aurelien Tchouameni effort in the final stages, but Guardiola predicted before the game that the tie will be decided in Manchester. The second leg takes place on May 17, with the winner facing Inter Milan or AC Milan in the final.
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