Game is over and the final score is Man City 4-3 Real Madrid. Here is the match report.
Match Report
Pep Guardiola's side ran out 4-3 winners at the Etihad Stadium, but missed a host of chances to put the tie to bed before the semi-final second leg
It is rare that a thrilling 4-3 win in a European semi-final could be described as being like a horror movie for the victors, but that is exactly how it must have felt for Manchester City against Real Madrid.
Time and time again, City had the chance to kill off Madrid.
But time and time again, the Champions League's most notorious beast refused to die.
At times City fans had to cover their eyes, at other moments the adrenalin and the entertainment was unbelievable.
But at the end of a breathless, brilliant 90 minutes, the Premier League champions might regret missing the opportunity to make a sequel irrelevant.
In previous rounds, both Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea left the door open for the Spanish giants to fight their way back into ties that they looked like losing, and Pep Guardiola has to hope his side have not done the same.
For large parts of what was a stunning game, City were the better side.
The wise old men of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric were made to look like simply old men against the creativity and speed of Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva in the heart of midfield.
Wingers Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez were far too sharp and too skilful for the struggling Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy.
And perhaps most impressive of all was the sharp and dynamic Gabriel Jesus, who looked every bit the number nine that Pep Guardiola has been without for the past two seasons.
Coming off the back of his four-goal heroics against Watford, the Brazil international was relentless, harassing Eder Militao and David Alaba and not giving them a moment's peace.
Jesus' goal - City's second of the night - was the finish of a natural striker, as De Bruyne's pass deflected into his path, before he turned brilliantly and coolly slotted past Thibaut Courtois.
Madrid were all over the place - conceding two goals in the first 11 minutes of a Champions League game for the first time in their record-breaking history, with De Bruyne's opener the fastest goal ever scored at this stage of the competition.
How City would have loved to have taken a two-goal advantage to Santiago Bernabeu before the game, but given the momentum they had, part of them must wonder how they did not have the tie won inside 45 minutes.
Mahrez fired high into the side-netting, leaving Guardiola fuming on the sidelines, before Foden dragged a shot wide and De Bruyne tested Courtois.
But Karim Benzema was always threatening in the shadows, and when he took his first half-chance by volleying in Mendy's cross, Real suddenly came back to life.
Worse was to come for City when emergency right-back John Stones hobbled off with a muscle injury that will further stretch City's squad as they chase a Champions League and Premier League double.
Guardiola had pulled a fast one by keeping the England defender away from the part of City's training session that was open to the media on Monday, only for Stones to appear once the cameras had left.
Fernandinho replaced the ex-Everton man, and stunned the Etihad Stadium with a superb run and cross to set up Foden to restore City's two-goal lead.
But it proved to be merely another flesh wound, as Vinicius Junior stormed away from Fernandinho to score a brilliant solo goal two minutes later.
Bernardo hit back once more, smashing in a fourth for City, only for a late Madrid free-kick to hit Aymeric Laporte on the arm as he attempted to head clear.
Benzema, who missed two penalties last time out against Osasuna, was the coolest man amid the madness, chipping a Panenka past Ederson to silence the stadium once more.
That proved to be the final act before the interval of what is already an unforgettable tie.
With the brilliance of Bernardo, Foden and De Bruyne, City have the quality to go to the Bernabeu and finally finish Madrid off.
But right now, the beast lives on. The final blow, if it is to come, will have to arrive in the Spanish capital.
Match Events
0' The match is about to start!
1' GOAL! Man City 1-0 Real Madrid (De Bruyne)
1' KICK-OFF! Who can win this match?
10' GOAL! Man City 2-0 Real Madrid (Jesus)
15' Foden's pass stopped by Alaba
17' Vinicius' shot wide out
25' CHANCE! Mahrez's shot wide out
28' CLOSE! Foden nearly scores for Man City
31' Zinchenko's long shot wide out
32' GOAL! Man City 2-1 Real Madrid (Benzema)
35' Ederson denied Rodrygo's shot
39' Mahrez's free kick parried away by Courtois
47' POST! Mahrez's shot hits the post
52' GOAL! Man City 3-1 Real Madrid (Foden)
54' GOAL! Man City 3-2 Real Madrid (Vinicius)
56' Ederson denied Militao's header
67' Courtois denied Laporte's shot
73' GOAL! Man City 4-2 Real Madrid (Bernardo)
75' MISS! Mahrez's shot wide out
78' Modric's long shot wide out
81' Penalty Goal! Man City 4-3 Real Madrid (Benzema)
Line-ups
Man City XI: De Bruyne, Mahrez, Laporte, Stones, Ederson, Zinchenko, Ruben Dias, Bernardo, Jesus, Rodri, Foden
Subs: Carson, Fernandinho, Gundogan, Sterling, Ake, Grealish, Z. Steffen, C. Palmer, CJ Egan-Riley, Luke Mbete-Tabu, J. Mcatee, R. Lavia
Real Madrid XI: Modric, Benzema, Kroos, Alaba, Courtois, Carvajal, F Mendy, Valverde, Militao, Vinicius, Rodrygo
Subs: Bale, Marcelo, Casemiro, Isco, Nacho, Vazquez, Vallejo, Asensio, Ceballos, A. Lunin, E. Camavinga, Toni Fuidias
Nandha77
1475
Man City and Real Madrid Defenders have paid tribute to Harry Maguire today by Conceding so many π€ This is what football is about , Respect β€οΈ
Nandha77
1008
" ICE IN THE F*CKING VIENS MATE "π₯Ά
HandsomeHunk
922
The KING of EPL is stronger than the KING of LaLiga! β½π₯
zubsain55
772
this man gave us headache but thanks to Benz
immrnasim
632
Mancity played really well as well as Real Madrid... no offense, both team deserve to go to the final but unfortunately only one will go, let hope the best team win at The Santiago Bernabeu... love football and plz stop spreading hate.. there is a reason for you to love your team and I've also mine but basically we all love football.. win or lose but we've to love our team and respect our opponents.. that's football bro.. ty
HandsomeHunk
544
OFFICIAL : Manchester City is going to be the first and only team in the UCL history to trash both the Madrid teams in the same UCL season that too in the knockout stages! β½π₯
PalaciousGh1
512
this man helped and also killed the cityzens in the first half... best of luck in the 2nd leg
Elume12
492
See you at the Bernabeu dear citizens. You might need some advice from PSG or Chelsea π
sikudouglas
464
if this is how football is played,I wonder what Arsenal are going to do in UCL next season
Yungswag20
450
Maguire checking all football there's a total of 7 goals but none own goal by defense
Donne6
422
We missed CASEMIRO in the game and as a matter of fact KROOS is too slow to be the HOLDING MIDFIELDER But game on, another intriguing game at the BERNABEU But before then let's wrap up LA LIGA
Anthonyer
402
Click this to view GIFs: https://bit.ly/39jYAOi
β₯οΈMADRIDISTAβ₯οΈ
391
The match is not over We are waiting for you man City in BERNABEU 90 minutes are so long in BERNABEU
Danny670
383
Manchester city completely outclassed us I must say. We lacked everything but goals today. Defense in shamble midfield lost completely. City messed up with chances and I bet if we had those theyβll be crying now. Itβs a shame for us Real Madrid. Ancelotti completely got outclassed. We need ballers in that midfield. Kroos was mediocre tonight and itβs time we saw Isco in that position.
Hushpu
378
If you love man city Like this comment β€οΈ
Johnnycams
335
Seven goals. Over 30 legends. Under 23 huge talents. Two different, top managers. The next Ballon dβOr winner. Only two cards in 90 minutes. One βPanenkaβ penalty. It wasnβt a game - it was a movie. βοΈ #UCL Good news: weβve another one in 8 days. Champions League football πβ¨
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All football should notice this comment... this guy is dope
Fihacekry
330
Journalist :- How did Manchester City scored 4 goals. Thibaut Courtois : It was fluke
Madridsalone
259
This is real Madrid for you
denab1
206
I really respect Real Madrid today. now I see why they could eliminate PSG and Chelsea.
Yancy-MotherBlessing
200
Seven goals. Over 30 legends. Under 23 huge talents. Two different, top managers. The next Ballon dβOr winner. Only two cards in 90 minutes. One βPanenkaβ penalty. It wasnβt a game - it was a movie. βοΈ #UCL Good news: weβve another one in 8 days. Champions League football πβ¨
KlasicYoung11
165
This team is a mazing even if you are against them you must enjoy their beautiful football
Ebengenius
119
RIP Fernandinho π
KlasicYoung11
72
In this game you blink and you've already missed 15shots on target π
huydekotyz
23
OFFICIAL : Manchester City is going to be the first and only team in the UCL history to trash both the Madrid teams in the same UCL season that too in the knockout stages! β½π₯
[image]
u say this thrash mf ?? 4-3 is thrash right oil fan
jasondrx77
21
Man City and Real Madrid Defenders have paid tribute to Harry Maguire today by Conceding so many π€ This is what football is about , Respect β€οΈ
[image]
hahahaha π€£ I feel sorry Fernandinho, Vinicious schooled him π₯ππ€£π
Hellomadrid25
20
OFFICIAL : Manchester City is going to be the first and only team in the UCL history to trash both the Madrid teams in the same UCL season that too in the knockout stages! β½π₯
[image]
are you even watched the game?
nazario11
19
OFFICIAL : Manchester City is going to be the first and only team in the UCL history to trash both the Madrid teams in the same UCL season that too in the knockout stages! β½π₯
[image]
Chelsea last season did the same
pasklmtuyz
18
if this is how football is played,I wonder what Arsenal are going to do in UCL next season
is that the reason why you keep running away from top 4?
Fortaleza
17
The KING of EPL is stronger than the KING of LaLiga! β½π₯
[image]
Nope. Y'all were home. And it ended 4-3... against a depressing Madrid team, especially defensively because Alaba wasn't fully fit and no Casemiro. I'd wait until the second leg to celebrate, as both those players will be back to sure up the defense. And I hope y'all get a right back.. not that it matters, as it's Vini they'll be up against though. You know for a fact that Goatzema will score.. it's about City's response now, away from home.
besacelmpy
15
Man City and Real Madrid Defenders have paid tribute to Harry Maguire today by Conceding so many π€ This is what football is about , Respect β€οΈ
[image]
Two heavyweights punch for punch. Madrid would not go down when most teams would crumble 10 mins 2 down, City would not stop. Brilliant both of you. That was football. Thank you.
MohammedRaheem
15
this man gave us headache but thanks to Benz
[image]
this man always give headache to big team
Randycash
15
OFFICIAL : Manchester City is going to be the first and only team in the UCL history to trash both the Madrid teams in the same UCL season that too in the knockout stages! β½π₯
[image]
Chelsea last season π
Khanboss9
14
if this is how football is played,I wonder what Arsenal are going to do in UCL next season
πππ we will trash teams like how we trashed united
bizbciosy
13
OFFICIAL : Manchester City is going to be the first and only team in the UCL history to trash both the Madrid teams in the same UCL season that too in the knockout stages! β½π₯
[image]
Tell that to psg and Chelsea fans, controlling the game and still got knocked out of ucl.. This is different madrid bro [Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
besacelmpy
12
this man gave us headache but thanks to Benz
[image]
You both gave us a show. Hope our game is as exciting as that. Brilliant from both of you.
Neymarcelo
12
OFFICIAL : Manchester City is going to be the first and only team in the UCL history to trash both the Madrid teams in the same UCL season that too in the knockout stages! β½π₯
[image]
Won Athletico Madrid with score of 1-0, Played 4-3 at home with second leg away remaining and this clown calling it thrashing. LMAO ask PSG and Chelsea fans they know well πππ
Duhabckmnz
12
Man City and Real Madrid Defenders have paid tribute to Harry Maguire today by Conceding so many π€ This is what football is about , Respect β€οΈ
[image]
lucky Madrid indeed
Neeabnst
11
We missed CASEMIRO in the game and as a matter of fact KROOS is too slow to be the HOLDING MIDFIELDER But game on, another intriguing game at the BERNABEU But before then let's wrap up LA LIGA
[image]
same way there was no walker or cancelo to stop the second goal...reasons can be brought out for both the sides .. appreciating both the teams for their performances
Neymarcelo
11
lucky Madrid indeed
How was that luck MF ? π§
sipakpruy
11
OFFICIAL : Manchester City is going to be the first and only team in the UCL history to trash both the Madrid teams in the same UCL season that too in the knockout stages! β½π₯
[image]
Real Madrid attack gonna rip man c at Bernabeu good result for Madrid and missed chances for man c
Ronaldoismygoat
10
Man City and Real Madrid Defenders have paid tribute to Harry Maguire today by Conceding so many π€ This is what football is about , Respect β€οΈ
[image]
I now know I serve a living God....Man City could have trashed us 9-3 but we were just too lucky.... Watching that match, there's no way you won't wonder that how is it possible for man city to miss those wonderful chances. A very thrilling contest from both sides
Robklnotuy
10
this man gave us headache but thanks to Benz
[image]
someone told me benzema is using black magic π
yukbenopty
9
The KING of EPL is stronger than the KING of LaLiga! β½π₯
[image]
Madrid never wanted to win this game...they just didn't want a goal margin higher than 1....Madrid plays better and faster when you score first and since the second leg is at barnabeu I'll stick with Madrid winning
SH3012
9
The KING of EPL is stronger than the KING of LaLiga! β½π₯
[image]
but still 13>0.anyway well deserved winπ
Jopcdklnt
9
OFFICIAL : Manchester City is going to be the first and only team in the UCL history to trash both the Madrid teams in the same UCL season that too in the knockout stages! β½π₯
[image]
its 4-3 man...its bernabue..if you play this clumsy football there madrid would batter you
Bankforex
9
OFFICIAL : Manchester City is going to be the first and only team in the UCL history to trash both the Madrid teams in the same UCL season that too in the knockout stages! β½π₯
[image]
Chelsea did it last season bro
Aman1997
9
OFFICIAL : Manchester City is going to be the first and only team in the UCL history to trash both the Madrid teams in the same UCL season that too in the knockout stages! β½π₯
[image]
Chelsea did it again braindead
jitdkmpru
8
Sibakmpt
8
Seven goals. Over 30 legends. Under 23 huge talents. Two different, top managers. The next Ballon dβOr winner. Only two cards in 90 minutes. One βPanenkaβ penalty. It wasnβt a game - it was a movie. βοΈ #UCL Good news: weβve another one in 8 days. Champions League football πβ¨
[image]
He copied from Fabrizio Romano ' tweetππ€£
Sergioramoshd
8
OFFICIAL : Manchester City is going to be the first and only team in the UCL history to trash both the Madrid teams in the same UCL season that too in the knockout stages! β½π₯
[image]
πππππππyouβll shake when you enter the bernabeu