Real Madrid, defending champion, was defeated (1-1) at home, in the semi-final first leg of the Champions League. Kevin de Bruyne responded superbly to Vinicius’ magnificent opener. See you on Wednesday May 17 for the second act.
There was no winner in this first leg between Real Madrid and Manchester City in a balanced meeting, rarely exciting, if not on the magnificent achievements of the scorers, and often tactical.
Manchester City did (almost) what was expected of him: a technical hold on the game from the start. Four shots on target in the first quarter and pressure in recovering the ball. Real was obviously ready for this scenario. It’s a team that allows itself to be dominated, bends without breaking and releases a deadly banderilla at the right time. This takes the form of a ride by the Frenchman Edouardo Camavinga who pierces the Mancunian environment and finds the Brazilian Vinicius. The latter takes care of the rest: a strike from 25 meters to beat Ederson and open the scoring (36th). First shot of the match for Real, first goal.
Kevin de Bruyne as a detonator
City is sounded. The shortcomings of Guardiola’s men resurface. Possession is sterile, there are few solutions in attack where the ghost of Erling Haaland wanders against the rough axis formed by Rudigër and Alaba. The English, 138 goals scored since the start of the season and before this meeting, are struggling to approach Thibault Courtois’ cage. As often, it was Kevin de Bruyne who woke up everyone with a shot, 35 minutes after the last, that his Belgian compatriot came out of a parade with his right hand.
It will only be postponed, because 10 minutes later, the City maestro does not miss the target on a powerful shot fired at the entrance to the surface. 1-1! Guardiola breathes, his men are better. But that will not have the gift of launching this meeting that many expected more spectacular, like last year when 11 goals were scored in the two semi-final matches (4-3; 1-3).
The decision will therefore be made in a week, Wednesday May 17, in Manchester. The suspense remains intact and it is not so bad…
Milan derby
On Wednesday, away from Madrid, the city of Milan will be in turmoil with the derby between AC Milan and Inter for the second semi-final. The last two Italian champions will meet in the Champions League for the third time in their history. The Rossoneri have always won. First in 2003, in the semi-finals after a double draw (0-0; 1-1) which saw AC Milan qualify thanks to an away goal. In 2005, the second leg was interrupted after AC Milan goalkeeper Dida received a smoke bomb. Inter will have lost match on green carpet after losing (0-2) in the first leg. Today, the two Milan clubs are also fighting in Calcio for qualification for the next Champions League. Both teams also know that the fastest path right now is to win the Champions League. This Wednesday, the reunion will undoubtedly be fiery between neighbors. To the delight of the Milanese.