On Tuesday night, Real Madrid and Manchester City faced off in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, which ended in a 1-1 draw. The game began with Manchester City being the more attacking side, but Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior hit back with an outstanding strike from the edge of the box, giving the home team the lead just before halftime. In the second half, Kevin de Bruyne scored a low effort goal, leveling the tie for Manchester City.
Vinícius Júnior's goal was his first from outside the box in the Champions League, and it was an important moment for Real Madrid as it was their only shot on target until Karim Benzema's 78th minute header. Surprisingly, all 14 of Vinícius Júnior's previous Champions League goals had come from inside the box. He has also scored two goals from outside the box in LaLiga this season. The goal was the first time that Real Madrid had scored with their only shot on target in a Champions League game since records began in 2003. Vinícius received the ball from Eduardo Camavinga and created space before unleashing a powerful shot beyond Ederson. Despite some criticism of the goalkeeper, the expected goals on target, taking into account the position of the placement of the shot, came in at an impressive 0.20. Vinícius has been involved in a goal in 10 out of 11 Champions League appearances this season, and he has not failed to be involved in a goal in consecutive matches since the group stages of 2021/22, over a year ago.
With his seventh goal of the season in the tournament, Vinícius has drawn level with Kylian Mbappé and is behind only Erling Haaland and Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, with the Egyptian already out. It is an impressive feat for Vinícius to be on the podium for goals scored in the Champions League.
Eduardo Camavinga had a standout performance, winning more duels, tackles, and fouls than any other player on the pitch. Playing in the left-back role, he led the tie for duels won (nine), tackles won (five), and fouls won (four). Camavinga created two chances, Vinícius' goal and another for the Brazilian in the second half, which saw his shot blocked, and the full-back misplaced only six passes all night. Camavinga's influence on play was more than that of a full-back in a normal game, and the combination that he is building with Vinícius down the left flank is becoming a significant part of Carlo Ancelotti's strategy.
Ferland Mendy may be sidelined by injury, but it seems a real stretch to imagine him earning his place back in the side ahead of Camavinga, who improves with each passing week. This was arguably one of Camavinga's biggest tests yet, particularly up against Bernardo Silva, but he excelled once again.
Erling Haaland, who currently has 12 goals in the tournament, is ahead of Vinícius and Mbappé, but it will be a big ask for Vinícius to catch up. Nevertheless, Real Madrid fans are hopeful that the Brazilian forward will continue his impressive form and help his team secure a place in the Champions League final.
In conclusion, the first leg of the Real Madrid vs. Manchester City Champions League semi-final ended in a 1-1 draw. Vinícius Júnior's stunning goal was his first from outside the box in the Champions League and his seventh in the tournament this season.
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