Real Madrid and Manchester City played a real game this Tuesday afternoon, at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. In a game of twists and turns, the home team went after the result and sought a 3-3 draw, counting on the brilliance of Brazilians Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo. The duo participated in the three goals scored by the team. Gvardiol, Foden and Bernardo Silva scored in favor of the English.
With the result, the definition of a place in the tournament’s semifinals is for the return game. The second meeting between the teams is scheduled for next Wednesday, the 17th, at 4pm (Brasília time), at the Etihad Stadium, in England. If the tie persists on the aggregate score, the duel will go to penalties – there is no qualifying goal rule (away from home).
Real Madrid and Manchester City became accustomed to facing each other in the knockout stages of the Champions League. The teams had already measured forces in the last two editions of the competition and, both times, the team that came out on top was crowned continental champion. For this reason, the confrontation is seen by many as an “early final”.
In the midst of the matches, Real and City return to the field in the local leagues. Spanish leader, Ancelotti’s team visits Mallorcano on Saturday, at 1:30 pm. The English, who are in a fierce fight with Liverpool and Arsenal for the Premier League cup, face Luton Town on the same day, but a little earlier, at 11am.
The game
The decisive match started in full swing. With a minute of the ball rolling, Bernardo Silva took a long-range free kick, surprising Lunin, and scored in favor of Manchester City. The goalkeeper even touched the ball, but was unable to prevent the goal.
And it didn’t take long for Real Madrid to make everything the same. After exchanging passes on the right side, in the 11th minute, right-back Carvajal sent action to Camavinga, who led and shot from distance. He even saw the ball deflect past defender Rúben Dias and kill goalkeeper Ortega, who was sold on the move.
City responded in the 13th minute, with a beautiful shot from Grealish, with three fingers, which forced Lunin to make a great save. However, in the next move, Vinicius Junior counterattacked and launched Rodrygo, who won Akanji’s run and touched Ortega’s exit, turning the score for the Spanish team: 2 to 1.
Rodrygo almost doubled the lead in the 30th minute. He received it from Carvajal on the left wing, cut to the middle and hit it firmly from the edge of the area, but Ortega grabbed it. Two minutes later, it was the player’s turn to be called in by Vini Junior and finish first time out.
Vinicius also had a good opportunity to score in the 41st minute, after receiving a good ball from Rodrygo. The striker, however, shot in the middle of the goal and saw Ortega defend without fear.
Second time
Just like the first half, the final stage started off lively. After just seven minutes, Bellingham received the ball freely in the area, cut off the ball and hit a cross, left-handed, but saw it scrape the post.
At ten, it was Valverde’s turn to switch to Rodrygo, who dominated with class and passed to Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian invaded the area and shot with his left leg, but sent it over the goal. Manchester City even tried to press, but Real Madrid had the main chances.
However, Carlo Ancelotti’s team did not convert the opportunities and saw Foden, in the 20th minute, leave everything the same. After a good plot from City, who passed the ball from foot to foot, the Englishman dominated on the edge of the area and made a left-handed shot into the corner. A great goal!
Real Madrid barely had time to react, and Pep Guardiola’s team regained the advantage on the scoreboard. In the 25th minute, Grealish played the ball to defender Gvardiol, who moved to his right leg and hit a beautiful shot, turning the score around once again.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
Kingston is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
