UCL semi-final: De Bruyne’s rocket earns Man City a draw against Real Madrid

UEFA Champions League semi-final between Real Madrid and Manchester City ended in a 1-1 draw.

City dominated the early minutes of the match as at one point they had 72 percent possession of the ball, but everything changed as Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior scored a brilliant curling shot from outside the box in the 36th minute of the game.

Similarly, Real Madrid dominated a larger part of the second half but City’s Kevin De Bruyne earned them a 1-1 draw with a spectacular low shot from distance in the 67th minute.

“It was a shame that we conceded that goal,” Madrid midfielder Luka Modric said. “I think we deserved more. They had more possession but didn’t create a lot of chances. It’s still 50-50 and we will go into the second match with confidence.”

Madrid’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti analysed the first leg and said a couple of things.

“We could have won, and we deserved to win. We have a good feeling for the second leg because of this performance,” said the 63-year-old Italian. 

"It was normal for Manchester City to have possession, but we knew that sooner or later the chance may come. In the first half, we could have kept the ball better. The veterans controlled the tempo well. We created chances and hopefully we can repeat that in the second leg.”

City’s manager Pep Guardiola also talked about the encounter in a post-match talk.

Speaking to BT Sport after the match, Guardiola said: "We were better when they scored, they were better when we scored. It was a tight game. Real Madrid in the semi-final is always a tough one. We turned up, we had good moments, it's difficult with the quality they have on and off the ball. 1-1, final next Wednesday with our people."

Both teams will have all to play for in the second leg which will be played at the Etihad Stadium next week on Wednesday, May 17.

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