Kevin De Bruyne hauled Manchester City level in the Champions League semifinal against Real Madrid after Vinicius Junior gave the hosts and holders the lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.
City were beaten in Madrid in dramatic circumstances in last season’s semis but began tonight by dominating the action, with Thibaut Courtois making saves to deny De Bruyne and Rodri before a couple of routine stops from Erling Haaland.
Madrid grew into the contest and, after Ruben Dias made a goal-saving block to thwart Karim Benzema, Vinicius arrowed in his 15th Champions League goal from 25 yards to put the holders in the driving seat.
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Carlo Ancelotti’s men were in the ascendancy after the break, with City’s defending increasingly last-ditch, but De Bruyne again demonstrated his big-game credentials with a blistering low drive from distance.
Benzema forced a fine save from Ederson as the clock ticked down, while Haaland’s threat was negligible after David Alaba made a brilliant block on the Norway star early in the second half.
Ederson then kept out another thunderous drive from substitute Aurelien Tchouameni to ensure the sides will reconvene in Manchester at 1-1 eight days from now.
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