Real Madrid conceded four at the Etihad Stadium and left with a sense of victory.
#RMFans
— Real Madrid C.F.
(@realmadriden) April 26, 2022
They lost 4-3 in a game they deserved to lose 8-3. Carlo Ancelotti’s side were a disaster in defence and midfield and were collectively and individually a wreck.
But they have a shield to deflect shots from opposing strikers. And then there is Karim Benzema. The Frenchman is determined to take Real Madrid to the final and with a brace he allows Los Blancos to dream of a comeback. He is playing the role of Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos this season.
Ballon d’Or
Benzema has been the player who has kept Real Madrid alive in this Champions League. He has done it through goals and leadership.
Three against Paris Saint-Germain, four against Chelsea, and two against Manchester City. The photo of his panenka is one to hang in the museum.
@Benzema
#UCL pic.twitter.com/5IKmKhv6cr
— Real Madrid C.F.
Like his shot to make it 2-1. With 41 goals in 41 games, his season is one to remember. Nobody has played better than him. He should be the Ballon d’Or without discussion.
What a defensive disaster!
Real Madrid were a defensive disaster in the first half. The first 10 minutes were terrifying, with collective and individual mistakes in defence.
On the first goal, everyone failed. From Eder Militao, who let Riyad Mahrez cross towards David Alaba, nobody knows where the Austrian was. Fede Valverde, who didn’t follow Kevin De Bruyne, and Dani Carvajal, who closed down badly, also failed.
The second goal was a real shocker. Alaba wanted to be Franz Beckenbauer and ended up doing a Raphael Varane. Soft, he allowed Gabriel Jesus to turn and score at will.
In the third, Ferland Mendy gave City a gift. And in the fourth, all the defenders stopped because they thought the referee would whistle for a clear foul by Toni Kroos. It was an unquestionable disaster.
The first foul… in the 40th minute!
Real Madrid made the first foul of the match in the 40th minute! And it was possibly the only one they didn’t have to make.
Real Madrid were soft in the first half, chasing shadows to Ancelotti’s despair. Only Valverde brought intensity to the midfield, while the rest… Kroos was on the pitch for 90 minutes, and nobody knows why!
Vinicius: What a goal
The Brazilian scored his best goal in this Champions League. After nutmegging Fernandinho on the turn without even touching the ball, he made a 50-meter run with a dribble without touching the ball and beat Ederson one-on-one.
Vinicius Junior answers right away for Real Madrid! What a goal, and it’s 3-2! #UCL
(via @TUDNUSA) pic.twitter.com/IeoW92z5Cl
— SI Soccer (@si_soccer) April 26, 2022
He didn’t play his best game, but he is always dangerous. Real Madrid need its best for the return leg.
Bernabeu: You’re up
The Etihad was fine, but it wasn’t a cauldron. Now it’s the Bernabeu’s turn to play hosts, which has been decisive in the previous two knockout rounds.
Everything will be decided back at the Bernabéu.#UCL pic.twitter.com/YPoeVwH2qP
— Real Madrid C.F.
It is impossible to explain logically how Real Madrid have reached the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals alive, but there they are, one win away from a place they feel at home – the final.
Courtesy: MARCA