When it appeared that Real Madrid would win the first leg, Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne scored a stunning equalizer for City to cancel out Vinicius Junior’s earlier stunner.
Los Blancos took the lead in the 36th minute through the Brazilian, who fired a stunner to pile pressure on treble-chasing City, who had dominated much of the early play.
De Bruyne also scored a stunning goal in the 67th minute, bringing Bernabeu Stadium to silence as he leveled the scores.
The result keeps the tie in a delicate balance ahead of next week’s second leg at the Etihad Stadium.
City came into the game looking to avenge their loss to Real Madrid at the same stage last year, but it did not go as expected.
They now have a chance to do so in the second leg as they look to dethrone the 14-time European champions in their quest for their first European title.
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Rüdiger says City is not dangerous after he pocketed Haaland
Meanwhile, Ballon d’Or holder, Karim Benzema and red-hot Norwegian striker Erling Haaland had a quiet night.
Thibaut Courtois denied Halaand twice, while Benzema came close to scoring late in the game with a header at the near post.
Germany international Antonio Rüdiger was a thorn in Haaland’s flesh as he did not give him space to make dangerous runs throughout the match.
Responding to journalists after the match, the former Chelsea defender said City are not a dangerous side to face.
“We got the goal a bit late so we feel a bit like we could have got out with more,” Rudiger told beIN Sports after the game. “But it’s no problem, the tie is definitely on and we can go with confidence to Manchester.
“At the end of the day they were not dangerous. They had possession, we knew that this would happen… but most importantly they were not dangerous. Obviously their goal was quality from De Bruyne.”
Meanwhile, Vinicius Jr. and Eduardo Camavinga were constant threats in attack for City, while De Bruyne was named man of the match for the Cityzens.
