By Sulaimon Jamiu
Manchester City edged to a dramatic 4-3 victory against Real Madrid in the Champions League semifinal first leg at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night.
Kevin De Bruyne netted in a fine header just two minutes into the clash to hand City a dream start before Gabriel Jesus slotted home shortly after to extend their lead.
Madrid’s striker Karim Benzema struck a well-taken volley later in the first half to snatch a goal back, but City’s Phil Foden scored a header in the opening minutes of the second half to restore their two-goal lead.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side proved earlier in this season’s Champions League they can lead a comeback, and Vinicius Jr. had Madrid fans dreaming when he raced down the left flank and scored, cutting the deficit back to one.
Pep Guardiola’s side looked dominant throughout and midfielder Bernardo Silva gave City some breathing room once again when he netted a powerful strike from just inside the box, but a handball from defender Aymeric Laporte handed Benzema a penalty, which he sublimely converted with a dinked finish over Ederson.
The two sides will meet again in the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on May 4, for a place in the final.
