City keep Real at bay – Champions League Roundup

Manchester City cancelled out the attacking threat of Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League Semi-final. The home side only produced one shot on target and were saved by Joe Hart in the second half.

Real Madrid were without superstar Cristiano Ronaldo who looked on from the stand due to a thigh injury. His teammates looked under pressure in the opening 45 minutes as City searched for an opener. Despite producing chances the English side failed to find the back of the net. The Madrid defence was exploited on a few occasions especially by the excellent Kevin de Bruyne. Both Sergio Ramos and Pepe entered the referees book in the first half. City were dealt a hammer blow five minutes from time when playmaker David Silva was forced off with a hamstring injury replaced by Kelechi Iheanacho.

Real Madrid looked dangerous from set pieces tonight.
Real Madrid looked dangerous from set pieces tonight.

As the second half developed Madrid came into the game. Early substitute Jesé who replaced Benzema troubled the City defence with his pace. His attacking teammates Lucas Vazquez and Gareth Bale started to create more chances as the game wore on. The defensive Madrid side pushed on and  Jesé saw his 71st minute header rattle the crossbar mush to the joy of City keeper Joe Hart who was beaten. Madrid best chance came soon after when Bale’s header fell to Pepe who’s shot was saved well by Joe Hart.

Both sides continued to seek an opener but neither could find a way through. City have a number of areas to improve on especially retaining possession and defending set pieces. The tie is still all to play for but Manchester City face a tough task heading to the Bernabeau.

Atletico Madrid host Bayern Munich tomorrow night in the other semi-final.

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