Real Madrid and Manchester City face each other this Tuesday at Etihad Stadium in the first leg of the 2021-2022 Champions League semifinals, a match in which Pep Guardiola's team started by imposing their dynamics and quickly took the lead in the scoring.
Kevin De Bruyne opened the scoring with a header before the 2nd minute, and Gabriel Jesus established the 2-0 lead at the 11th minute. Unexpectedly, the current Premier League leader had a clear advantage in both the game and the result.
But this Real Madrid, coached by Carlo Ancelotti, is known for knowing how to face these scenarios. "They know how to play against adversity," said Pep Guardiola in the preview, so the instruction was to maintain focus and level, something that Riyad Mahrez failed to do.
Around the 25th minute, the visitor's defense once again became disorganized. De Bruyne fought for the ball, and Bernardo Silva sent a deep pass to Riyad Mahrez on the right side. The Algerian, inside the penalty area, had the option to pass to the Belgian or Phil Foden, but he decided to go for the shot.
His shot hit the side netting. The clear chance for the 3-0 lead was wasted, which provoked Pep Guardiola's anger. He stood up from his seat and criticized Mahrez's decision.
Manchester City vs. Real Madrid: How they started in the Champions League
Manchester City: Ederson Moraes; Jhon Stones, Rúben Dias, Aymeric Laporte, Oleksandr Zinchenko; Bernardo Silva, Rodri Hernández, Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden, Gabriel Jesus.
Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois; Daniel Carvajal, Éder Militao, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy; Luka Modric, Federico Valverde, Toni Kroos; Rodrygo, Karim Benzema, Vinícius Jr.