Real Madrid and Manchester city Classic game played of all time Champions League Real Madrid faced off on Tuesday evening at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, ending in a 3-3 draw, before the return match that will be held next week. The Citizens took an early lead in the second minute when Bernardo Silva's free-kick was set up by Andriy Lunin, but Ruben Dias then blocked an own-goal effort from Eduardo Camavinga and Rodrigo Goes gave the hosts the lead a few minutes later. In the second half, Phil Foden and Josep Gvardiol scored two wonderful goals from outside the penalty area, and Fede Valverde equalized with a direct shot.
Three answers
1. Will any of the four players at risk of suspension receive a yellow card?
It only took us 40 seconds to find out the answer to that question when Aurelien Chouamini hacked down Jack Grealish and was shown a yellow card by French referee François Leixier, suspending him as a result and also awarding Manchester City a free-kick. It will allow them to take the initiative. Neither Jude Bellingham nor Vinicius Junior were playing it safe despite picking up yellow cards, with both turning to Letexier to criticize his decisions and confront their opponents. Eduardo Camavinga also committed two fouls and was lucky not to have more fouls against him after a late challenge on Phil Foden saw the England international taken off. Certainly no one watching any of them could be accused of having one eye on the other leg.
2. How will Real Madrid handle this match?
Kian Sobhani wrote before the match about the two options for this match, whether it's an overall match or not Liverpool Or defend deep like Arsenal. Indeed, it always seemed unlikely that Carlo Ancelotti would ask his team to sit deep and get a result, but even if he wanted to, Bernardo Silva's early goal meant he was not an option for Real Madrid, who were forced to hit back. Real Madrid looked to respond quickly through Rodrygo, who allowed him more freedom to drift left and penetrate as he preferred to do, while the press was more targeted once Manchester City crossed the halfway line. It was chaos at the Bernabéu, but it could be interesting to see whether Ancelotti changes that approach for the second leg in Manchester.
3. What will the atmosphere be like at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium?
This was the first real big Champions League match at full capacity at the Santiago Bernabéu since 2019. There have been big and historic clashes since then, against Manchester City, but they were with part of the stands closed. The club's supporters made a concerted effort to encourage those lucky enough to attend to wear white, and there was little difference in the stands, although not everyone responded to the request. The two goals in response to Manchester City's opener was exactly what fans were hoping to see and saw the shackles of the roof tested, putting to the test the idea that it makes for a louder experience in the stadium.
Three questions
1. How to set up the second station?
Last year, a 1-1 draw in Madrid in the first leg of the semi-final meant everything had to be played out for the return leg in Manchester, and we all know how that ended. This result is similar in that the scores are equal, but Real Madrid may feel they missed some opportunities to take the lead in the second leg. Some pundits suggested that City should go all-in on Real Madrid, and this was clear evidence of just the opposite, as Real Madrid were able to compete on quality alone. However, obvious defensive insecurities and the suspension of Aurelien Chouamini mean the idea of going to the Etihad Stadium is a difficult one.
2. What will the defense be like without Tshwamini?
Carlo Ancelotti made it clear by selecting him that he would prefer the Frenchman to captain Nacho Fernandes in a big European tie, only that Chouamini's suspension now means he will not be available for the return leg in a week's time. Eder Militao is still not fit for the game, meaning the decision Ancelotti avoided making on Tuesday night, which would have started Nacho, now looks all but certain for the return fixture in Manchester. Antonio Rudiger produced another strong performance, but if there is anything that will give the Madridista sleepless nights over the next eight days, it may be who he lines up alongside in England next week.
3. Why did Real Madrid look so tired?
In the second half of this match, you would never have guessed that Real Madrid would be the team coming into the game after a nine-day hiatus. It is true that by allowing Manchester City to keep possession, they were chasing a lot of the ball, but despite this, being so far from Manchester City's power from the hour mark onwards was surprising. That was when the match turned on its head and Manchester City scored two goals to storm back to a draw. Ancelotti responded by making changes but not until the 71st minute and by then it was too late as City were already back in front. It's a question that Ancelotti and his crew are likely to ponder over the coming days.