2023-05-09 20:51:17
Real Madrid and Manchester City tied today 1-1 in the first leg of the semifinals of the European Champions League, which was played at the mythical Santiago Bernabéu in the Spanish capital.
The Brazilian Vinicius Jr. put the reigning Champions League champion ahead, while the Belgian Kevin De Bruyne tied for the team led by the Catalan Josep Guardiola, one of Barcelona’s great idols, Madrid’s eternal rival.
The expectation around this match was very high. Two of the best teams on the soccer planet, with very different styles, collided in what is interpreted as an early final.
In that duel of characteristics, the City was comfortable in its own, the possession of the ball; and Madrid, the top winner of the Champions League with 14 titles, took over their part, giving them ground to strike at the most opportune moment.
The English team, under the baton of Ilkay Gündogan, demanded the Belgian Thibaut Courtois in the first half. First with a shot from De Bruyne, when he entered the zone of the Frenchman Eduardo Camavinga, and then against Rodri when he deflected a powerful shot.
Courtois shined again before the appearance of Erling Haaland, who did not have many situations in the opposite area and had a correct mark from Antonio Rüdiger. The German controlled the Norwegian striker, City’s great goal card.
The local’s first dangerous approach was after 25 minutes with Vinicius removing Rodri and the Brazilian’s pass to the Frenchman Karim Benzema, which was anticipated by the Portuguese Rúben Dias.
Everything City did required moving the ball, with many passes, to find the necessary space. Instead, Madrid needed a precise and fast counter to open the scoring.
Camavinga accelerated down the left flank, in an exquisite combination with the Croatian Luka Modric, and yielded to Vinicius, who took a shot dry and far from Ederson’s chances.
The practicality of those led by the Italian Carlo Ancelotti prevailed over the usual game of the Premier League leader, who did not capitalize on the situations that arose.
In the second half, Real Madrid started better than City, but they lacked clarity to define the intentions of Rodrygo and Benzema, with a fiery Vinicius.
However, the “Ciudadanos”, who are looking for their first “Orejona”, found the draw at their worst. A bad start by Camavinga made it possible for Gündogan’s short pass for De Bruyne’s scoring definition.
With ten minutes to go, Ederson saved from Benzema’s shot and shortly after from Frenchman Aurelien Tchouameni.
The equality left the series open for the rematch that will take place on Wednesday, May 17 at the Etihad stadium in the city of Manchester.
The second key to the semifinals will be played tomorrow with the Italian Superclásico between Milan and Inter, starting at 4:00 p.m., Argentine time.
The 2022/2023 Champions League final will take place on June 10 at the Istanbul Olympic Stadium in Turkey.
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