In a remarkable match at the Bernabeu, Manchester City and Real Madrid tied 3-3, leaving the Champions League quarterfinal match in the balance.
with Madrid had taken the lead with an early goal from Bernardo Silva, the European champions led by Pep Guardiola’s team appeared to have pulled off a thrilling victory on the night thanks to long-range goals from Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol.
However, Federico Valverde’s exquisite volley brought it back to par, much to the jubilant Bernabeu’s pleasure. Given that City controlled possession and Madrid had the better opportunities, a draw seems like a fair outcome. Ahead of the second leg in Manchester, everything is up for grabs.
Player of the match Foden’s late-game limping alarmed several, but Guardiola allayed them in the press conference that followed by stating, “He was grumpy with me for making a substitution. That means he is ok.”
“It was, I think, a nice game,” Guardiola said.
“We started really well and after it is so difficult against Real Madrid because they defend so well and the pace they have up front is unbelievable, so always you concede transitions against that team, it is impossible to control it.
“In the first half, we were a little anxious with the ball. After 2-1 we lose a lot of balls that players do not usually lose. But in the second half we showed our incredible personality in the way we play because at 2-1 it is a risk if we concede another goal.
“If we come back to Manchester 3-1 or 4-1 it would be difficult. But we continued playing with a lot of composure, much better than the first half. We make two fantastic goals from Phil and Josko. In the end, Madrid after 76 minutes, in this stadium, is an eternity.
“So, 3-3, we will take it. We have to win the game. Win the game to qualify for the semi-final. We will have our people. It will be sold out. We will need all of them to beat the kings of this competition.”
In the Premier League on Saturday, Manchester City takes on Luton Town. On April 17, they will play the second leg of their quarterfinal at home to resume Champions League competition.
In La Liga on Saturday, Real Madrid will visit Mallorca with the aim of increasing their lead at the top of the standings to 11 points.
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