1-1: The semi final to be decided in Manchester

Real Madrid and Manchester City drew at the Bernabéu in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals, the tie will now have to be decided at the Etihad Stadium next Wednesday. Vini Jr. scored for us in the first half with a spectacular right-footed drive from outside the box and De Bruyne answered with another powerful strike from the edge of the area after the break. Ancelotti's side deserved more, but it's still all there for the taking in the second leg.

The first half started with Manchester City taking control and having the lion's share of possession, but creating very few chances. The only danger came with long-range shots from De Bruyne in the eighth minute and Rodri six minutes later, but both were dealt perfectly with by Courtois. Midway through the first half, the script changed and Madrid began to create problems for the English side. Vini Jr. stole the ball from Rodri in the 25th minute and Dias was on hand to clear when Benzema, with Ederson already beaten, was waiting to tap the ball home. The Whites were more convincing in their next effort; a spectacular one-two in their own half between Camavinga and Modrić, who returned the ball with the outside of his boot, the Frenchman then steered the ball into the path of Vini Jr. The Brazilian received a good few yards from the edge of the area and from there he unleashed a bullet that Ederson was helpless to deal with in the 36th minute. A worldy by the Brazilian to put Madrid in the lead.

With the score at 1-0, Ancelotti made a tactical tweak to the team, placing Camavinga in the middle at the start of the half. The adjustment surprised Manchester City and in the 50th minute the second goal could have come after a great combination between the Frenchman, Vini Jr, Carvajal and Benzema. The Ballon d'Or's left-footed shot was not on target and Stones appeared to clear the danger. Our team were the better side, but in the 67th minute City equalised with a close-range De Bruyne shot from the edge of the area.

There were over 20 minutes to go and Madrid went after the goal to make it 2-1 and head into the second leg with an advantage. They were close to taking the lead on 78’ when Kroos whipped in a free-kick and Ederson stuck out a strong hand to stop Benzema’s header at the back stick. The Brazilian shot-stopper was at it again on 90’, getting across to turn Tchouameni’s powerful drive behind for a corner with his outstretched glove. Ancelotti’s team deserved more, but the tie remains wide open ahead of the second leg. Still all to play for at the Etihad Stadium.