For a moment I thought Manchester City would rip Real Madrid apart from what I saw in the first 30 minutes of the game. Manchester City were not only in cruise control as the commentator said it, they controlled the game, put pressure on Real Madrid and blew them out of the waters. It took only one moment of relapse and a moment of genius by Benzema to give Real Madrid a lifeline. Benzema is a leader, a fighter, a captain, a legend to Real Madrid and a blessing to the world of football.
Manchester City got the ball rolling after Kevin De Bruyne got on the end of the cross from Mahrez. Both players have been having a magnificent season and that combination was enough to lead to the first goal after Kevin De Bruyne buried the goal with a clever header. Manchester City increased their advantage with a lovely goal from another in-form player; Gabriel Jesus. He didn't only score 4 against Watford over the weekend, he scored the second goal against Real Madrid.
Just when I thought Madrid would be flat and out, Mendy crossed the ball so well and Benzema got on the end of it too and scored. It was a clever finish as the commentator called it and I have no argument whatsoever. John Stones came off injured and I was worried about Fernandinho playing against this fast Real Madrid side but he provided a lovely cross into the box at the start of the second half to give Foden a perfect opportunity to get his header into the net and he did. Real Madrid looked deflated at 3-1 but they sure weren't done fighting.
It took another genius in the person of Vinicius Jr to lose his marker; Fernandinho in a clever way. Fernandinho knew he was in trouble and no one was able to keep up with Vini as he raced all the way into the box to get the ball into the net. He had options with Benzema and Modric but you can't take away from his confidence to bury that chance and he did. 2 goals advantage was cut down to 1; 3-2.
The referee's decision to wave play-on played to City's advantage after Kevin De Bruyne was hacked down but Bernado Silva continued into Madrid's box and rifled his shot into the roof of the net, leaving Courtois stranded. It was a clever play by Silva that Madrid didn't see coming as they were expecting a foul to be blown. The game moved back to 4-2 until Laporte handled the ball in the box and the referee gave a penalty. Benzema stepped up and scored with a Panenka.
The game finished 4-3 and I witnessed one of the most entertaining games of the season in the Champions League. Manchester City missed many chances and Real Madrid were clinical. Football is about taking your chances and even the best in the game have lost just because they didn't take their chances and the less favourite took theirs.
Football is about tiny details and this should feel like a win for Real Madrid because it could have been worse, had City taken their chances. It would have been a rout...a training ground routine or regimen but credit goes to the valiant effort of Real Madrid and now the tie is still on.
What's your take on the second leg and who do you think would win it? With the away goal rule being abolished, Real Madrid must do themselves a favour and score first against City if they are to have a chance and only a 3-1 or 2-0 win would do them that justice. I would love to know who you think would win it. Real Madrid has the experience and Manchester City has the quality but we know City doesn't do well in the Champions League but who knows, this might be their year.
Cheers.
Gingered Up! 鉂ｏ笍
