Phil Foden scored a superb goal as Manchester City drew 3-3 with Real Madrid in an extraordinary Champions League quarter-final game at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Tuesday night.
Long-range strikes from Foden and Josko Gvardiol looked to have secured a dramatic win on the night for Pep Guardiola’s European champions after Madrid had scored twice in the space of two minutes to take the lead following Bernardo Silva’s early goal.
But Federico Valverde’s sumptuous volley levelled it up again to the delight of a boisterous Bernabeu.
The thrilling match was played in the shadow of a threat by Islamic State to target every quarter-final first leg, with a heavy security presence around the Santiago Bernabeu.
Spanish officials said 2,000 police were to be deployed, but the match was played without incident off the field. On it, there was plenty under the closed stadium roof, which produced a thunderous atmosphere.
UEFA: Terror threat won’t stop Champions League quarter-final games
Guardiola omitted influential playmaker Kevin De Bruyne after the Belgian said he was unwell shortly before the game, opting for Mateo Kovacic in midfield alongside Rodri Hernandez.
The former Barcelona coach also chose Stefan Ortega in goal over the experienced Ederson, only just back from a thigh injury, while Gvardiol overcame a fitness doubt to start.
Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, coaching a record 200th Champions League match, claimed his team lacked courage and personality when they were crushed by City in last season’s semis, but they showed mental strength to quickly turn the game on its head.
A draw was a fair result given City dominated possession while Madrid had the better of the chances. All to play for ahead of the second leg in Manchester.
Manchester City host Luton Town in the Premier League on Saturday, April 13. They then return to Spain for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final game on April 17.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, travel to Mallorca on Saturday in LaLiga with the chance to extend their lead at the top of the table to 11 points.
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