Termed as the Blockbuster contest of Match Day 6 of the UEFA Champions League, Manchester City on a wave of good form were travelling to the iconic Stadio Bernabéu, home to Spanish Giants Real Madrid.
Bernebéu referred to as the fortress of Real Madrid had been a bit shaky offlate. Particularly, three days ago, Real lost to Celta Vigo in an extremely Ill-tempered La Liga duel. 3 Real Madrid players( Garcia, Endrik and Careras) were red-carded as Celta Vigo, took advantage, played brilliantly and got the better of Real. The home team, therefore, had to bounce back to cool off the nerves and get back to winning ways.
Manchester City on the other hand had beaten a resurgent Sunderland in the EPL with ease and were looking a confident side to take on Real Madrid.
The hosts, however, drew first blood, with a fine run and superb finishing from Rodrygo on the right flank. It was a just reward for an enterprising Madrid. Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Bellingham had pushed City back with their incisive runs.
Manchester City, however, we’re not over awed by the situation and a completely partisan stadium. A few minutes later Josko Gvardiol headed one straight to Courtois, but the rebound fell on the feet of young Nico O’Reilly, who made no mistake and shot past Courtois in front of goal, to equalise.
Just before half time, Rudiger (who is not having a great season for Real Madrid) brought Erling Haaland down in the box, conceding a penalty which Haaland converted with absolute ease. Manchester City were 2-1 ahead at half time.
Real Madrid went all out to equalise in the second half but were denied by a determined City side. In the interim, too, Courtois made a couple of terrific saves to deny Haaland and Cherki.
In the end, City survived to register a famous win at the Bernabéu, remaining in the top 8 (4th) of the UEFA Champions League table. Despite the loss, Real Madrid also remained in 7th position.
Read Quick, Read Better @ rizkhan.in
Visit Sports FACTory YouTube Channel