Kevin De Bruyne
– Photo: Social Media
Expansion
Spanish club Real Madrid could not win over English club Manchester City at their home Santiago Bernabéu. The first leg of the semi-finals of the Champions League between the two teams ended in a 1-1 draw. Real took a 1–0 lead at one stage thanks to a goal from Brazilian striker Vinicius Júnior, but could not hold on to the lead as Kevin De Bruyne scored to draw the match. Now both the teams will play the semi-final of the second leg next week at City’s home ground Etihad Stadium, where City will have the advantage of being the host.
Vinicius gave Real an edge in the 36th minute
Vinicius gave Real the lead in the 36th minute of the game, scoring from long range on a pass from Eduardo Kamavinga. It was his seventh goal of the season in the Champions League. After trailing by a goal in the first half, the Manchester side fell behind for long periods, but a poor pass from Kamavinga in the 67th minute saw Real take the lead. Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne equalized for City with a long strike at the first attempt.
Holland could not capitalize on the early opportunities
City coach Pep Guardiola said it was an equal match. Real scored when we were playing better and we equalized when the hosts were in control. In fact, Erling Haaland, who has scored 12 of City’s 26 goals in the league so far in the beginning of the match, had some good chances to score, but he could not capitalize on it. Later he could not do anything special. The Netherlands are one step away from the league record of 17 goals scored by Cristiano Ronaldo in 2013-14.
Modrich said – It is shameful to give equal opportunity
Croatia star midfielder Luka Modric, playing for Real, said after the match that it was a shame that we gave them a chance to equalise. We feel we deserved the win. It is defending champions Madrid’s 11th semi-final appearance in the last 13 seasons. Modric says that in the semi-finals of the second leg, we will play with extra enthusiasm.