Manchester City Hold On for Thrilling Draw in MadridManchester City Hold On for Thrilling Draw in Madrid In a pulsating Champions League semi-final first leg, Manchester City held on for a thrilling 2-2 draw away to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. City struck first after just two minutes through Riyad Mahrez, who curled a superb effort into the net from the edge of the area. Real Madrid responded well, however, and equalized through a penalty from Karim Benzema after Ruben Dias was adjudged to have fouled Vinicius Junior. The Spanish giants were dominant for much of the first half, but City showed their resilience after the break. Phil Foden put them back in front in the 53rd minute, finishing off a brilliant move involving Joao Cancelo and Kevin De Bruyne. Real Madrid continued to press for an equalizer, and they were rewarded in the 89th minute when Rodrygo prodded home from close range. The hosts had a glorious chance to win the game in stoppage time, but Federico Valverde’s effort was superbly saved by Ederson. The draw leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg at the Etihad Stadium next Wednesday. City will be hoping to build on their away goal advantage, while Real Madrid will be confident of overturning the deficit in front of their home crowd. Pep Guardiola, the City manager, said after the match: “We have to be satisfied with the result. We came here knowing it would be difficult, but we showed great character and belief. We have a second leg to play, and we will give everything to reach the final.” Carlo Ancelotti, the Real Madrid manager, added: “I think the draw is fair. We played very well in the first half, but City showed their quality in the second half. We have to score at least one goal in the second leg, and we believe we can do it.” The second leg of the semi-final will be played at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, May 4.
