Five Things Learned: Real Madrid 3-3 Manchester City (UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final first-leg)

Manchester City drew 3-3 in the first-leg of their Champions League quarter-final with another epic clash against Real Madrid.

Pep Guardiola’s side got off to an absolute flyer at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium within the first few minutes as they found themselves ahead, but were stunned as Real Madrid raced into a 2-1 lead after quick-fire goals.

Two stunning goals from Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol saw Manchester City move into a sensational 2-3 lead in the second-half, however Federico Valverde smashed the home side back level late on.

Manchester City raced into the lead, as Jack Grealish drew a foul from Aurelien Tchouameni which saw the Frenchman booked and, as a result, he will now miss the second leg next week. From the resulting free-kick, Bernardo Silva caught out Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin from distance to give City a superb early goal.

It did not take Los Blancos long to strike back though as Eduardo Camavinga’s long-shot hit Ruben Dias and fooled Stefan Ortega who was in goal ahead of the injured Ederson.

Real Madrid then stormed into the lead through Rodrygo who was played in by his compatriot Vinicius Junior which was deflected off Manuel Akanji.

After a frantic opening exchange, the game settled into a more dicey contest with both teams having good spells before half-time.

The second-half began in similar fashion with end-to-end action between the two juggernauts at the Bernabeu.

City grew and grew into the game before they deservedly equalised against the La Liga leaders through a magical shot from Phil Foden. The young English winger powered in a stunning drive into the top corner after finding a rare pocket of space just outside the home side’s box.

Mere moments later and the Champions League holders found themselves in front after yet another sublime goal. Josko Gvardiol, who was a doubt heading into the game, smashed in a thunderous strike from distance to haul his team into the lead.

The drama did not stop there though as Madrid equalised against the run of play with another sumptuous hit. Federico Valverde smacked in a eyewatering volley to once again bring the score level just when it looked like City had Los Blancos where they wanted them.

Neither side could find the winner with the match ending in a stalemate with all to play for next week.

Here are five things we learned from Manchester City’s clash with Real Madrid:

Sloppy defending

Despite taking an early lead and looking comfortable, Manchester City found themselves quickly behind at the Bernabeu.

Two quick goals from the home side pegged back the Premier League champions annoyingly in rather predictable fashion.

City have been conceding far too many goals this season and Tuesday night’s contest was no different with Pep Guardiola’s side shipping in more.

If the Cityzens are to defend their European crown, or either of their domestic triumphs for that matter, they have to sure up the backline from sloppy mistakes.

Fantastic Phil Foden: Galactico

How wonderful it is to have a homegrown superstar that supports the club and grew up playing in the academy at every level.

The former Etihad ball boy once again showed up on the biggest stage, coming in clutch when City needed him most. As Pep Guardiola’s men were trailing, up stepped the English winger to power in a fabulous goal to draw the score.

This then spurned his side to take the lead showing just how vital City’s local lad is to the way they play and their DNA.

Phil Foden has now scored six goals from outside the box this season; the most of any player for a #PL club across all competitions. 💫🚀 #UCL pic.twitter.com/oQ9ybolZ52

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) April 9, 2024

Grealish puts in shift

There were not many Manchester City players who stood out in the Spanish capital but one was certainly Jack Grealish.

Coming off the back of a Premier League win versus Crystal Palace at the weekend in which he set up three goals, the winger shone once again.

Putting in a lot of effort, Grealish ran and ran, drawing fouls and making excellent passes throughout the match.

Statistics do not show the English international’s value to Pep Guardiola’s side but the £100 million man did himself proud out on the Bernabeu pitch.

Hungry Haaland

There is no denying Erling Haaland’s footballing talent with the absolute goal machine showing so much talent still at such a young age.

Yet it is disheartening to see the Norwegian striker so effectively marked out of another big game with a clear lack of service.

Without Kevin De Bruyne on the pitch, Haaland struggled and despite some impressive defensive tracking back, he offered little going forward.

The striker has to get more involved next week if City are to progress but he still has to be praised nonetheless for his slightly more inspiring second half showing.

Brilliant Bernardo

In a game where so much uncertainty hung around, one thing could be confirmed as an almost certainty, Bernardo Silva scoring versus Real Madrid.

Having scored three goals across the last two seasons against Los Blancos, the Portuguese maestro once again notched past the Spaniards.

A fantastic free-kick which deviously deceived the Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin saw City storm into an early lead.

If City are to win this tie, Bernardo is undoubtedly going to be a major player in the clash of the giants.