City and Real Madrid clash was an excellent advert for the Champions League
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On Tuesday night, two of the best teams in European football clashed at the Etihad Stadium in the Champions League semi-final first leg, as Manchester City hosted Real Madrid. The result was a pulsating 4-3 victory for the Citizens, in what was just an excellent advertisement for the Champions League.
Both teams wanted to attack
It is very common in modern football that semi-finals of competition can be bland and cagey affairs, as neither team wants to make a mistake. Tuesday night’s game was the exact opposite though, as both teams wanted to play attacking football that resulted in a fantastic watch, for the neutral anyway.
This was the sort of game that gets fans excited and why we watch the game. Tactical battles are all well and good, but there is nothing better than a basketball-style end to contest. The game swung one way then the other and it could have been an even bigger scoreline than it was, as both teams missed good opportunities.
Stars played a big role
Both teams had star-studded line-ups and multiple matchwinners. Neither team’s stars disappointed in Manchester. Kevin de Bruyne and Phil Foden both shone for City, both getting on the scoresheet. For Real Madrid, the brilliant and evergreen Karim Benzema scored a brace, including an audacious Panenka penalty kick for Los Blancos’ third goal. Brazilian starlet Vinicius Junior was also a constant threat for the visitors, especially once he was up against ageing compatriot Fernandinho.
The tie is in the balance
This tie is truly in the balance. Manchester City may feel that they should be heading into the second leg of the tie with a bigger lead. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will feel confident of turning the deficit around at the Bernabeu.
Neutrals and football lovers will just be hoping for another similar display of sheer footballing delight in the second leg. The nature of both teams suggests that we could get another classic game of football in Madrid next week and football fans around the world will be waiting with bated breath for the second instalment.
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