The long-awaited rematch between Real Madrid and Manchester City on Tuesday night proved to be an intense battle, with both teams showing flashes of their exceptional quality. Considered by many as the “true” final of the competition, the match did not disappoint the onlookers who eagerly watched as the two European giants faced off once again.
Despite City’s dominant possession in the first half, it was Real Madrid’s rising star, Vinicius Jr, who made the breakthrough with a sensational long-range strike that found the top right corner of the net in the 36th minute.
As the game progressed, the hosts gained control of the second half, but against the run of play, City equalised with a powerful shot by Kevin De Bruyne that landed in the bottom corner. There were no other clear cut chances except for Tchouaméni’s late effort which was elegantly parried by Ederson.
Despite the game ending in stalemate, after the thrilling semifinal clash last year in which Madrid managed to overturn a two-goal deficit in the second leg to secure an extra-time victory at the Bernabeu. Pep Guardiola’s team will likely feel content with the scoreline as they return to Manchester next week for the return leg.
It is worth noting that Manchester City has a remarkable record of never losing a European tie after drawing the first leg away, having won all eight of their previous encounters.