Rio Ferdinand hails Man City's first-half 'MASTERCLASS' against Real Madrid

Rio Ferdinand lauded Manchester City's first-half 'masterclass' as Bernardo Silva scored twice to hand Pep Guardiola's side a crucial two-goal advantage during the Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

The hosts flew out of the gates with swagger and confidence, testing Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois twice early on, before Silva finished off a well-worked opener to hand City the lead at the Etihad.

The Portuguese international headed home City's second in the 37th minute to cap off a scintillating first-half display from the Premier League champions, who dominated Carlo Ancelotti's side in every department.

Ferdinand insisted the reigning Champions League winners looked like 'rabbits in headlights' at half time, hailing Manchester City's 'masterclass' in the BT Sport studio.

'Well, well, well. That is an absolute masterclass,' the Manchester United legend said. 'They have been dominant from the first whistle, they've absolutely taken the game away from Real Madrid.

'And we're talking about a team steeped in history, a club steeped in history and that understand this tournament, with great players on their team.

'They've been made to look like rabbits in headlights. Like they don't understand what this game is.

'This has been a battering. We've been sitting here gasping at times the way City have kept the ball and still created opportunities.'