MADRID – The first match of the UEFA Champions League season 2022/23 semi final ended with a draw at Bernabeu Stadium last night.
Real Madrid failed to gain an advantage at home in the first leg, which Manchester City left Spain with a satisfying 1-1 result.
In the clash between two strongest European clubs currently, both sent their best squad yesterday in order to seek a great opening in this last stage before the Champions League final.
The UCL defending champion and the EPL powerhouse together presented such a high-quality and exciting performance on Tuesday, with plenty of remarkable shots and a few top saves from both goalkeepers.
Two fantastic goals
The home team scored the opening goal in the 36th minute, through an amazing long shot by Vinicius Junior outside the box.
This is the young Brazilian’s seventh UCL goal this season. The 22 years old winger has contributed a total of 23 goals and 21 assists in all competitions this season so far.
Los Blancos also had a few threatful attempts from Karim Benzema, Toni Kroos and Federico Valverde, but the guest team keeper Ederson sealed their second goal.
After some powerful attack as well, the Blue Moons equalized the score through a magnificent striker from Kevin De Bruyne in the 67th minute.
Real Madrid players and head coach Carlo Ancelotti complained to the referee that their opponent player Jack Grealish had let the ball out of field seconds before the goal, but the decision remained.
Strong attack Vs solid defence
Man City tried to reverse the score with ferocious attack, while the Spanish giant’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois secured his team from being beaten at home.
The EPL club’s superb forward Erling Haaland was unable to score last night after a few attempts, as he was heavily marked by Madrid’s defenders Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba.
After the match, Pep Guardiola’s squad stands a better opportunity in the second leg at Etihad Stadium next Wednesday night.
However, City should prevent history repeating itself, as they were leading 4-3 over Los Blancos in the semi final first leg last season, but lost 1-3 in the second bout after extra time at Bernabeu.
If the Blue Moons could defeat the 14 times European champion next week, they have only one step away from their first ever Champions League title in club history.
Leao’s injury hit Milan
Another UCL semi final first leg between AC Milan and Inter Milan will be played at San Siro Stadium on Wednesday night.
AC Milan is treated as the home team tonight, although both Milan clubs are sharing the same stadium.
The Red and Black Squad missed Rafael Leao today due to injury, giving them a huge impact without this key player on their frontline.
Internazionale is the favoured side in majority, as they won all the five matches recently, including a 2-0 victory over AS Roma in the Serie A last Sunday.
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