It was a special game at the Santiago Bernabéu between the last two European champions. The Champions League quarter-final first leg was truly an ode to the beautiful game. Our team were behind on two occasions, but Rúben Dias turned Camavinga's effort from the edge of the box into his own net, before Rodrygo struck to turn the result on its head following Bernardo Silva's opener and make it 2-1 at the break. Manchester City went back in front with Foden and Gvardiol's goals from outside the area, but Ancelotti's boys once again displayed unparelled courage and desire to level the tie at 3-3 thanks to Valverde's delightful volley.

The game could barely have got off to a worse start. In the first minute, Tchouameni was shown a yellow card that will see him miss the second leg, and the resulting free-kick, from way out, was fired into the net by Bernardo Silva to make it 0-1 from the off. Far from letting the goal knock their confidence, Real Madrid allowed it to spur them on, and backed by the spectacular home crowd they turned the game around inside a blistering two minutes. With 12 minutes on the clock, Camavinga shot from the edge of the area and the ball cannoned off Rúben Días to find its way past Ortega in the City goal. While the Bernabéu were still celebrating the leveller, Vini Jr. threaded a sublime pass in behind for Rodrygo on 14', and the Brazilian raced through to beat the goalkeeper beautifully in the one-on-one.



Three goals in a breathtaking quarter of an hour, with little rest for the players and spectators. Manchester City looked to counter Madrid's attacking threat with long periods of possession, although they created very little danger. However, it was Ancelotti's men who could have extended their lead with three quick counter-attacks, only for efforts from Valverde, Rodrygo and Vini Jr. to all end up in Ortega's gloves. The pattern of play did not change after the restart. The Premier League side defended by holding possession while the Whites countered with quick transitions in attack, which inevitably resulted in chances on goal. Bellingham tried his luck in the 53rd minute after a double shuffle inside the area, but his left-footed strike went just wide. Three minutes later, Vini Jr. produced another dangerous piece of play, but the Brazilian missed the target in when one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

The previous two European champions were engaged in an intense and highly entertaining match, which the visitors brought level again in the 66th minute when Foden rifled in an unstoppable shot from the edge of the area past the out-stretched Lunin. Four minutes later, City were in front courtesy of another thunderous strike from outside the box, this time from Gvardiol. The goal was cruel on the hosts, but Real Madrid always pick themselves up and this time they did so in style. Vini Jr. floated in a cross to pick out Valverde at the back post and the Uruguayan drilled a sensational volley past Ortega to make it 3-3 on 79’. It’s all to play for on Wednesday 17 at the Etihad Stadium.