Manchester City vs Real Madrid: Advantage Shifts After Thrilling 3-3 Draw

So, after a 3-3 tie that felt, at the time of the Indian Premier League, like teams had calmed down after significant powerplays before coming strong at the end, it’s on to the Etihad in eight days. Real Madrid is the team with the most Champions League titles—14—and the most used to unexpected turns in European competition. This statement may not hold up over time, but it gives Manchester City an advantage in the quarterfinal return leg.

Since there are no away goals in the Champions League, a 1-0 victory might secure a spot in the semifinals. There would be a good chance of it occurring. Real Madrid and Manchester City have each scored more than three goals in two of the four Champions League games where both clubs have done so, according to Opta.

It is evidence of the exceptional caliber of the available attacking skill. Additionally, on Tuesday, the reigning champions scored three goals in Europe for the seventh time this year. How many Champions League games has City participated in? Nine.

It seemed as though Bernardo Silva (2), Phil Foden (66), and Josko Gvardiol (71), had scored amazing goals, but Federico Valverde (79) made them appear almost normal. Late in the game, Real Madrid scored three goals in a row thanks to the accuracy of Vinicius Jr. and the speed of Rodrygo.

Eduardo Camavinga’s shot, which took a significant deflection from Ruben Dias in the 14th minute, neutralized Silva’s effort. In just 12 minutes, Carlo Ancelotti’s 200th Champions League game saw him go from a 0-1 lead to a 2-1 lead.

What about the people who were not successful? Fouls were drawn to Jack Grealish like moths to a flame. Due to an irresponsible tackle, Aurelien Tchouameni will miss the match next week. To the utter amazement of everybody present at the glaringly white Bernabeu, Silva took aim and produced a cheeky yet flawless near-post finish. Nobody had scored at Real Madrid in the Champions League this quickly in the previous six years.

Once more, Gvardiol was set up by Grealish. Just a few minutes prior, he had hauled right-back Dani Carvajal, who frequently worked as a freelance forward, near the goal line. Grealish took the opposite course this time. Toni Kroos was slow to attempt the block, so Gvardiol’s first touch not only took the ball away but also provided him the time and space to slam home.

Although their interpretations of the wide left stance diverge, Vinicius Jr. performed the same thing as Grealish. With a pass that demonstrated how much more than just goals he can contribute, the Brazilian found Valverde. Aside from trailing when Gvardiol scored, Kroos performed admirably as a holding midfielder, allowing Camavinga the freedom to continue.

Luka Modric, who replaced Kroos, slotted in so effortlessly that it didn’t appear as though the Croat was a last-minute substitution. Had it not been for John Stones’ outstanding interventions, Jude Bellingham would not have been noted for his arguments with referee Francois Letexier after two Modric deliveries.

Although Erling Haaland is too visible to go unnoticed, Antonio Rüdiger and Tchouameni formed a tag team that included him, which is why he got the fewest touches (20) of any outfield player. Additionally, because the midfield commanded by Kroos was able to obstruct City’s passing lanes for the Norwegian.

Football is on individual skill and transitions for Real Madrid. For City, the collective’s exercise of control is paramount. Real had 38.3% of the possession, but they had two more shots on goal than City, according to Opta. Real had five shots on target compared to six by City.

It is hard to argue with Real Madrid icon Iker Casillas’ claim that these two teams are the finest in the world, despite their differences. Perhaps this clarifies why Pep Guardiola stated he didn’t want to draw too much attention to his team’s inability to win the game. During the press conference, the City manager remarked, “It’s fine, it’s the Bernabeu, my friend.” The winners of this competition are Real. Controlling Madrid all the time is not possible.

In light of the fact that City played Aston Villa and Crystal Palace nine days prior to this match and were playing without Kevin de Bruyne, Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake ought to instill confidence in Guardiola’s team ahead of the rematch. particularly following three goals that came from outside the penalty area.

This season, Real has lost five times at Etihad, while City has won 16 times there. They’ve gone 26 games without a loss this year, and they haven’t dropped a Champions League home match since 2018. Furthermore, Real is compelled to switch up their central defensive duo.

Real Madrid is not known for being tight, but Arsenal has limited City to just one attempt on goal at home this season. Real Madrid has triumphed decisively against Bayern, Juventus, Barcelona, and Liverpool. Is Etihad able to be added to the list? Ancelotti stated, “We play away from home, which is a slight disadvantage, but we are confident that we can repeat this performance.”