Real Madrid have been left stunned after a home leg loss against Man City in Round of 16 of UEFA Champions League.
Real Madrid could not avoid a home leg loss against City even though they took a one goal lead against City in the match. Isco scored at the 60th minute to make it 1-0 for the Los Blancos. However, Gabriel Jesus levelled the score with his header at the 78th Minute. Kevin De Bruyne took the goal onslaught forward and scored a penalty at 83rd minute.
Both the teams had shocked the supportera with their lineups as Madrid benched Toni kroos while City benched Sergio Aguero. Madrid look comfortable in the start, while they were enjoying majority of the possession. However, the men from Manchester tried pressing hard during the initial minutes of the game.
There were some good saves and clearances at both side. Ederson blocked a shot from Benzema while a goal line clearance took place at the opposite half. The scoreline read 0-0 during the half time, with only those who watched the game understanding its intensity.
However, what we saw in the second half was City dominating the game, even though they gave away a cheap goal. Kevin De Bruyne shined at the moment when he was needed the most. De Bruyne had 68 touches and delivered an assist and a goal. A perfect moment of the captain leading from front! With 82% pass accuracy and 2 Interceptions and Recoveries, KDB was awarded the Man of the Match.
Picture Credits – Reuters
All thanks to the late goals, City managed to get an away goal lead at the Bernabeu. When the one goal lead of City was looking tough for Real Madrid to pullback, Sergio Ramos picked up a red card at the 85th minute. Manchester City managed to maintain 52% possession, hit 8 shots on target with 41 more passes and better accuracy.
The game was filled with intensity and aggression from both the sides. Kevin De Bruyne deserves all the praises he can get. It will be worth watching if Real Madrid can actually pull back a comeback from a home loss.