They will now feel a measure of confidence about reaching their second Champions League final and securing their first win against either AC Milan or Inter Milan. De Bruyne is such a class act, and does it all with such apparent ease, that there is almost a danger he may not be fully appreciated outside Manchester City.ĭe Bruyne is a big player delivering on the big stage and City were thankful for his inspiration because it came as Real appeared to be up to their old trick of looking all at sea for the early stage of a major game before going on to win it.Ĭity carried some psychological baggage into the Bernabeu after that traumatic 6-5 semi-final loss last season when they somehow fashioned defeat from victory. It was another special moment from a special player. Instead, it was Belgium midfielder De Bruyne, so often Haaland's creator this season, who stepped up to leave this tie delicately balanced.Ĭity were under pressure - rather like Real were when Vinicius Junior fired a long-range rocket past Ederson in the 36th minute for the opener - as De Bruyne took possession midway through the second half and struck a right-foot shot from 25 yards that was rattling off the back of the net before even a goalkeeper of Thibaut Courtois' quality could intervene. Listen to BBC Radio Manchester's latest We're Not Really Here podcastĪntonio Rudiger helped keep Erling Haaland quiet at the Bernabeu.Everything City - visit our dedicated page for news, analysis and fan views.It was Haaland who dominated all the headlines Madrid in the build-up, with one reading "Viene el Ogro" (The Ogre Is Coming). The joy for City and frustration for Real is that the Spaniards believed they had got the most difficult part right by keeping Haaland quiet, the Norwegian striker having only 21 touches on a night when he was peripheral, mainly through a combination of Antonio Rudiger's physical presence and a superb saving tackle from David Alaba. Man City feel 'unstoppable' at home - but are they still favourites?.There will be no more than quiet satisfaction in the City camp, though, after a job well done against the holders.Ĭity know from painful experience how dangerous Real are at any point in a two-legged tie - just look at the same stage at the same venue last season when the Spanish side scored twice in stoppage time to level the scores and pave a path to ultimate victory over Liverpool in the final in Paris.Ĭarlo Ancelotti and his potent blend of youth and vast experience will still back themselves at Etihad Stadium in the return leg.
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