Real Madrid 1-1 Manchester City: De Bruyne rocket strick delivers City first-leg draw

Kevin De Bruyne netted a stunning equalizer as Manchester City earned a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.
The Belgian canceled out an equally brilliant first-half effort from Vinicius Junior when he fired past international team-mate Thibaut Courtois from the edge of the box after 67 minutes at the Bernabeu Stadium.

City, who were chasing the hat-tricks, had dominated much of the start of the game, but holders Real drew first blood in a tense battle when Vinicius struck home from 25 yards after 36 minutes.
The result leaves the tie delicately ready ahead of next week’s comeback clash at the Etihad Stadium.

City entered the game looking to avenge their loss to Real at the same stadium last year and were unfazed by their return to the scene of their late capitulation in that draw. They started strong, controlling possession in their usual confident way and patiently chasing opportunities.
When opportunities arose, they initially found Courtois in a rebellious mood.

The former Chelsea number one made good saves off De Bruyne before fending off an attempt from Rodri and dismissing Erling Haaland twice.
Madrid rarely went outside their own half early on but were warned of their threat when Vinicius broke and punched in for Karim Benzema but the Frenchman failed to gain control.

As the first half progressed, the home side grew into the game and Ederson had to be careful to prevent Benzema reaching a Rodrygo through ball. The hosts took the lead after Eduardo Camavinga combined with Luka Modric and then played through Vinicius. The Brazilian raced for the ball and fired a wild shot that flew past Ederson.

City didn’t panic but Real then began to test their patience.
Jack Grealish had been treated harshly by Dani Carvajal from the start and things threatened to spiral out of control when the Spaniard stormed City’s midfield into the scoreboards.
As Carvajal reached out an arm to help the Englishman up, Grealish tried to push him away and Carvajal theatrically threw himself to the ground. Portuguese referee Artur Dias dismissed the incident but was booked shortly afterwards when Toni Kroos fouled Ilkay Gundogan after one of several skirmishes between his Germany team-mates.

City manager Pep Guardiola was less than happy with the referees as the first half drew to a close and Madrid’s pampering tactics continued after the break.
City tried to avoid distractions and came close again when De Bruyne broke through but Courtois reached over to save from close range. David Alaba produced a fine tackle to prevent Haaland’s shot.

The visitors also had to defend and conceded a series of corners before Federico Valverde shot just over. But City weren’t nervous and they equalized in the 67th minute with a superb strike from De Bruyne.

This time Courtois had no chance as De Bruyne fired into the bottom corner from just outside the box.
Real manager Carlo Ancelotti was cautioned amid some excitement on the touchline as De Bruyne celebrated.
Real ended the game strong and Ederson made good saves to deflect a header from Benzema and a long-range effort from Aurélien Tchouameni.