Manchester City fought back to secure a valuable point at the Bernabeu, boosting their chances of eliminating reigning Champions League holders Real Madrid.
Kevin de Bruyne‘s goal in the 67th minute salvaged Manchester City’s hopes of winning the Triple this season, in what was a closely contested match between two familiar opponents.
Thibaut Courtois produced multiple saves to deny De Bruyne, Rodri, and Erling Haaland from scoring more goals, leaving coach Pep Guardiola baffled as he seeks to become the first manager to eliminate a Carlo Ancelotti-led team in the Champions League semi-finals.
Real Madrid took the lead in the 36th minute through Vinicius Jr‘s thunderous strike from 25 yards, set up by a great run from Eduardo Camavinga that City’s midfielders failed to stop.
However, just as Real Madrid began to assert their dominance in the second half, De Bruyne curled a low shot into the bottom corner to level the score.
Real Madrid almost regained the lead when Karim Benzema’s header was brilliantly saved by Ederson.
Manchester City are now unbeaten in their last 21 games, winning 17 of them. To achieve the Triple, they will need to win seven more matches, including the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals.
The second leg will be played at the Etihad on Wednesday, May 17 at 8 PM WAT.
The winner of the second leg between Manchester City and Real Madrid will face either AC Milan or Inter Milan in the Champions League final on June 10.
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