Vincent Kompany’s level-headed,Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence and Kevin De Bruyne’s dynamism ensured this semi-final first leg hangs in the balanceThis was Manchester City’s first European Cup semi-final and Real Madrid’s 27th yet there was no suggestion of Manuel Pellegrini’s men suffering stage fright. As this first leg neared the cessation Real pressed as might be expected from such a gilded side and Joe Hart made one superb save from Pepe that brought cries of “Englands No1” from the grateful domestic support. Yet the topsy-turvy nature of this encounter was shown by the goalkeeper’s stop being quickly turned into a lightening counterattack as Kelechi Iheanacho flew forward and just failed to get in behind the back-pedalling defence. Before kick-off Pellegrini said City were arriving in optimum physical and mental shape and hitting top form, having beaten Stoke City 4-0 here at the weekend. It showed as they made Real scrap and left them in no doubt next week’s return at the Bernabéu should be a dogfight and some spectacle.
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Source: theguardian.com