Vinicius Junior scores, but Real cede draw at home to City in the Champions League semi

On Tuesday afternoon, Real Madrid e Manchester City held the first semifinal match of the Europe Champions League, at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, in Madrid (ESP). With a goal by Vinicius Junior, the Spanish club took the lead, but Kevin de Bruyne left everything the same, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Thus, the dispute for a vacancy in the decision remains completely open. With equality, the winner of the second duel guarantees advancement to the final. If the aggregate score remains tied, the definition will go into overtime and, if equality persists, a penalty shootout will be necessary.

Current champion of the competition, Real Madrid seeks its 15th continental title – it is the biggest winner of the tournament. In turn, Manchester City dreams of lifting its first European trophy – it was runner-up in the 2020/21 season. On the other side of the bracket, Milan and Internazionale play the Italian classic for a place in the grand final.

Now, Spaniards and English face each other again in the return game on Wednesday (17), starting at 4 pm (Brasília time), at the Etihad Stadium, in Manchester (ING).

Before that, however, both clubs have commitments for their respective national championships. For the 34th round of the Spanish season, the Merengues receive Getafe, at 4 pm next Saturday, at the Santiago Bernabéu. On Sunday morning, starting at 10 am, the Citizens will visit Everton, at Goodison Park, in Liverpool (ING), for the 36th round of the English Championship.

What a game in Madrid 🔥#UCL pic.twitter.com/qnO04DfQ8k

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 9, 2023

The match between Real Madrid and Manchester City

The first big chance of the match came from Kevin de Bruyne’s feet. At seven minutes of the first half, the Belgian midfielder received a pass from Bernardo Silva and hit hard, at first, for a good defense by Courtois. Six minutes later, it was Rodri’s turn to risk from outside the area, but the Belgian goalkeeper brushed it aside for a corner.

On the other hand, Real Madrid were in danger for the first time in the 24th minute, through Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian took advantage of an error on the way out of City, recovered the ball on the left end and crossed low looking for Benzema, who appeared alone to push for the goal. However, Rúben Dias slipped on the grass and made a providential cut to prevent the Spanish goal.

At 35 minutes, Camavinga countered with Modric on the left and activated Vinicius Junior in the center. The ex-Flamengo striker, then, carried the ball, adjusted it to his right leg and shot towards the goal, hitting a beautiful shot to open the scoring at the Santiago Bernabéu. This was the Brazilian’s seventh goal in this Champions League, becoming the third top scorer in the 2022/23 edition.

English leave everything the same in the second stage with De Bruyne

On the way back from the break, Real Madrid scared the opponent after four minutes. Benzema triangulated with Vini Jr. and Carvajal and hit hard with his left foot, but the ball went too high. Manchester City’s response came two minutes later, in a kick by De Bruyne, who received it from Bernardo Silva and came face to face with Courtois. However, the goalkeeper won another duel between the Belgians, making a great defense with his right hand.

At 21, after much trying, De Bruyne finally scored and left everything the same in the match. The midfielder received the ball from Gundogan outside the area and filled the foot, hitting a beautiful finish in the right corner of Courtois to even the score.

The owners of the house were again in danger in the 33rd minute. Toni Kroos took a free kick in the area and Benzema appeared at the back post to head the goal, forcing Ederson to make a great save. Finally, the merengue team continued trying to score the second, but Ederson did it in a blow from Tchouaméni in the 44th minute of the second half.