Champions League
World goals, excitement and spectacle: the first leg in the quarter-final of the Champions League between Real Madrid and Manchester City (3-3) had everything, except a winner. An ill Kevin De Bruyne did not come off the bench.
Tuesday 9 April 2024 at 22:55
Pep Guardiola surprised before the clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City. The City coach put man-in-form Kevin De Bruyne on the bench. The logical explanation followed a little later. “Kevin wasn’t feeling well. He was ready, but when we got to the locker room he started throwing up.” Then a ride on the rollercoaster that was Real Madrid-Manchester City is not a good idea.
Even without De Bruyne, there was still some talent on the field. Referee Letexier thanked Tchouaméni after 38 seconds with a yellow card for a strong tackle on Grealish. With the free kick that followed, about 25 meters away, Bernardo Silva got behind the ball. Everyone expected a deflecting cross, but the Portuguese surprised friend and especially foe by shooting the ball into the short corner. A coup de genius. Lunin could only grab for it.
Before the first fifteen minutes had passed, Real completely turned the situation around. With the help of the visitors. First, Stefan Ortega had no story when Camavinga’s shot deviated from Ruben Dias. Two minutes later, the Manchester City goalkeeper was again outwitted by one of his teammates. After a good through ball from Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo pressed the accelerator on the left flank. Rodrygo pushed the 2-1 past Ortega painfully slowly via the leg of the Akanji who was walking along.
City did have the ball, but it was mainly Real Madrid that threatened. Starring Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior. In no time, the two Brazilian sprint rabbits were on the other side.
Double portion of world goals
City also demanded the ball early in the second half, but the better chances remained for Real. On the other hand, Erling Haaland had only touched the ball seventeen times after an hour of football, the least of all the players on the field.
Just when we thought we’d been left wanting after an exciting first fifteen minutes, there was Phil Foden, nicknamed ‘The Sniper’, the marksman. With blistering power and meticulous precision, he shot the 2-2 against the ropes from the edge of the box.
Foden’s shot was inspiring, as just five minutes later left back Josko Gvardiol also saw his moment come. Just outside the box, the Croat was passed the ball by Grealish. While Gvardiol initially seemed to lack his control, he then turned the ball nicely into the far corner with his inferior right hand. His first for Manchester City at some point. Even De Bruyne jumped up to join in the celebration.
The pot of great goals was still not empty. This time it was the home team’s turn again. With a subtle cross, Vinicius found Federico Valverde at the far post. The Uruguayan did not hesitate and beat Ortega in one go with a cross volley. Enjoy.
Jude Bellingham came closest to the winning goal, but 3–3 ultimately became the final score. This means that everything remains to be played next Wednesday in Manchester. Then hopefully with the greatest genius of them all between the lines.
REAL MADRID-MANCHESTER CITY 3–3Goal score: 2′ Silva 0-1; 12′ Dias (ed) 1-1; 14′ Rodrygo 2-1; 66′ Foot 2-2; 71′ Guardiol 2-3; 79′ Valverde 3-3
Trossard keeps Arsenal straight against Bayern
There was also no winner in London on Tuesday evening. Arsenal held Bayern Munich to a 2–2 draw. ‘The Gunners’ took an early lead through Bukayo Saka, but Bayern went all out before half-time: Serge Gnabry equalized and Harry Kane scored from the spot to make it 1-2. Red Devil Leandro Trossard had to try to turn the tide for the home team after halftime and the substitute did just that. He neatly scored the 2-2 after a flowing attack, good for his 13th goal of the season. In extra time, Arsenal got away well when Kingsley Coman hit the post, but nothing changed in the score. (fp)
