In an electrifying Champions League clash, Real Madrid and Manchester City battled to a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg of the quarterfinals. The match featured three goals within the first 14 minutes, showcasing intense back-and-forth attacking from both sides.
City manager Pep Guardiola praised the exciting game, emphasizing the aggressive attacking style displayed by both teams. Federico Valverde’s 79th-minute equalizer salvaged a point for Madrid after Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol had put City ahead with goals in the second half.
The match marked the third consecutive knockout encounter between the two clubs, with each team having previously eliminated the other at this stage. Despite concerns over a possible terror threat, the game proceeded smoothly at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
In another quarterfinal match, Arsenal and Bayern Munich also played out a 2-2 draw in London, adding to the drama of the Champions League knockout stage.
Bernardo Silva opened the scoring for City early on with a well-placed free-kick, but Madrid responded quickly with goals from Rúben Dias (own goal) and Rodrygo. However, Foden and Gvardiol’s strikes swung the momentum back in City’s favor before Valverde’s late equalizer ensured a share of the spoils.
The result extended both teams’ impressive unbeaten streaks, with Madrid now unbeaten in 28 matches and City maintaining a 26-game unbeaten run across all competitions.
Guardiola faced challenges with the absence of playmaker Kevin de Bruyne and captain Kyle Walker, but Gvardiol stepped up with a crucial goal. Meanwhile, Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti celebrated his 200th Champions League appearance, showcasing his wealth of experience in the competition.
Overall, the match delivered on its promise of excitement and drama, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated second leg in Manchester. As both teams continue their quest for European glory, fans can expect more thrilling encounters in the Champions League.
