Real Madrid vs Manchester City, summary: full time, score, goals ...
Signing off...
That's all for the night from me! Thanks for joining the AS live coverage of Real Madrid 1-1 Manchester City. Make sure you're back tomorrow, when we've got the second semi-final... in Milan!
How to watch: AC Milan vs Inter
Joe
as.comPublicado a las: 10/05/202300:13CEST
Anyone dare to predict what this might be?
We have to change a tiny bit in the second leg. I have an idea.
This is how the world reacted to the two golazos that we saw at the Santiago Bernabéu.
as.comPublicado a las: 10/05/202300:02CEST
Here's a couple of snaps of the Vini rainbow flick
An amazing bit of skill from the Brazilian, who had a fantastic game overall.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202323:58CEST
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Want to know who played well for Madrid, but in a methodical, organised way of ranking the players, ideally split into ten potential ratings?
Well, you can make up the ratings, but here's a good explainer on who performed best.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202323:51CEST
Camavinga, post-match:
It’s going to be a complicated game next week, they are a great team. You have to suffer against them. You have to adapt against them.
It’s 50/50 for the next game. We’re not at home, but we have to win.
Rodri, post-game:
It was a very complete game, with two teams of a very high level. We started well, the first 30 mins we were fantastic. Their goal came from our press. The same thing happened for us when we scored and overall the game was very even.
They can damage you and we can do the same.
These games are about finding space, we study football so much, and they have great players. The team put in a great shift.
Were going to Manchester with everything to play for, our fans with help us.
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We saw some tasty tackles in the game with a few yellow cards given out - but will that mean that any players will miss out on the game in Manchester?
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202323:37CEST
Here's everything Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti had to say after the game tonight. The Italian was positive in his view of how things went, while acknowledging just how difficult the second leg will be.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202323:32CEST
In case you needed any more evidence of how topsy-turvy that was!
Opta have a brilliant graph that shows the momentum of the two teams: as you can see by the lines going up and down like a lie detector needle, the game was a tough one to call.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202323:28CEST
Pep Guardiola, post-match:
It was an even game, they scored when we were on top, we scored when they were playing better. Madrid are a fantastic team, and it will all be decided in Manchester.
There is no explanation to what happened with the goals and the momentum. It’s time to recover and prepare ourselves for the next game.
We will try our best have a good game in Manchester, it will be incredibly hard. We can defend better and let’s see if we can be more fluid in attack.
Madrid are great in transitions with Rodrygo, Vinicius and Valverde, who can run at top speed for 20 or 30 metres. We can’t do that, we need to have more calm on the ball.
Greatness respects greatness
Two of the most devastating young talents in world football immediately went to each other to say hello.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202323:23CEST
The MVP award goes to...
Kevin's super strike gives City a huge chance in the second leg, but away from that, I think Rüdiger will be slightly perplexed that he isn't hugging the MVP trophy in the dressing room.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202323:16CEST
Carlo Ancelotti, post-match:
I feel good, we competed and we fought well. We feel good, the result doesn’t give us what we deserve, but it’s a tie that will go down right to the last minute.
They had more of ball in first half an hour, but it didn’t worry us, we were well positioned and we waited for the right moment to transition efficiently. We could’ve won but we feel good.
The referee wasn’t very attentive to the foul (before the goal).
I'm very happy and excited for the next game. Its an even tie and yes, we play away, we don’t have the fans, which changes things a lot.
Kevin De Bruyne's strike was sensational:
Madrid will be disappointed that they failed in their build-up for the goal conceded, but the strike was utterly brilliant.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202323:14CEST
Sofascore says...
I told you the game was pretty topsy-turvy, especially in the second half, where only seasoned Tennis fans will have had the neck muscles to keep up with the movement of the ball.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202323:04CEST
Luka Modric post-match:
I think we had a good game, we knew the would come here and play with possession. They didn't create much with the ball and we had better chances than they did. The game at 1-1 means it is an open result and we’ll give our all for the second leg.
We know they like to play with possession, and it's hard to press them, but we were patient. They didn't really create a lot with ball, but we suffered and managed the game well. After our goal we got better with and without ball, and it’s a shame that they scored when they did.
Full-time report:
It's all to play for in Manchester.
Maybe Real Madrid will be disappointed to come away with a draw, but on balance, the result is probably fair. Both teams threw everything at the game, with elite moments of attacking and defending from everyone.
Vinicius opened the scoring in the first half after a sustained period of City domination, reminding everyone that they are not be underestimated and that the number 14 on their shoulder counts for something. The goal rattled City and from then on, Madrid looked as cool as you'd imagine for a team with Modric, Kroos and Benzema.
Madrid started the second half brightly, with more possession and more control, but City gave them a taste of their own medicine with a gola out of nowhere, with De Bruyne scorching a shot past Courtois to stun the stadium.
From then on, for the last twenty minutes, the game tipped left and right, with no team able to get a firm grip on proceedings. Madrid probably had the clearer chances, culminating in a fantastic save from Ederson right at the final whistle.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202323:03CEST
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:54CEST
Full time!
The referee blows for the end of the game!
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:54CEST
Nacho wastes a huge chance as he hits an effort high and wide from the edge of the box.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:53CEST
De Bruyne can't quite find Haaland as City launch a counter attack: Rüdiger again steps out at the right time to stop the ball reaching the Norwegian.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:53CEST
Camavinga gets away down the left and dances inside then out before seeing his shot blocked by Stones.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:52CEST
3 minutes added.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:51CEST
Tchouaméni receives the ball on the edge of the box and fires a lethal effort to the top corner, but somehow Ederson stretches to reach the ball!
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:51CEST
WHAT A SAVE FROM EDERSON!!!!
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:50CEST
Rüdiger steps in to block a pass from Grealish as Haaland runs through the Madrid defence like they aren't there. The Bernabéu crowd breathes a sigh of relief.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:49CEST
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:47CEST
Modric's cross is cleared for a corner.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:46CEST
The referee gives a very dangerous free-kick for Real Madrid as Vini Jr jumps in to snatch the ball from Silva, but is brought down on the line of the box.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:46CEST
Vincius wows the crowd with a simply ludicrous rainbow flick over the head of Bernardo Silva. I know he's no giant, but that's just unfair.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:45CEST
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City are looking to finish the game on the front foot, and have had the lion's share of possession over the last 10 minutes. Madrid are creeping backwards towards their own goal, knowing that Vinicius and Asensio are lurking up front.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:43CEST
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:42CEST
Camavinga gets booked for a challenge on Rodri.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:39CEST
Kroos' free-kick was headed down at the far post by Benzema, but Ederson make a wonderful dive to the ground to stop it from sneaking into the goal.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:39CEST
WHAT A SAVE FROM EDERSON!
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:38CEST
Ancelotti is chewing ferociously on the sidelines as he encourages his players not to drop off.
Valverde pops the ball through Akanji's legs before playing a ball into the box, but City scramble it away.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:38CEST
Akanji makes a well-timed tackle after Kroos finds Carvajal breaking away on the right. We've got fifteen minutes left and if you can call this tie, you're a braver soul than I am.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:36CEST
The pendulum is swinging wildly between the two teams, and the structures on the pitch are slowly falling apart. Having said that, the tempo has not dropped, with both teams still playing in fifth gear.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:35CEST
Alaba fires the free-kick high over the bar. A waste.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:33CEST
Gundogan apologises immediately after taking down Carvajal on the edge of the box. That was a tasty one.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:32CEST
De Bruyne is very red in the face. One day in the sun away from Manchester is all it takes.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:31CEST
We're back underway. City have 'done a Madrid', biting back when it looks like they're down and out.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:30CEST
Camavinga's pass is cut out by Rodrigo and the ball is fed to De Bruyne on the edge of the box, who slices a ferocious shot into the bottom corner of the goal, silencing the stadium.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:29CEST
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:28CEST
WHAT AN AMAZING GOAL
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:28CEST
KEVIN DE BRUYNE WITH A SCREAMER FROM THE EDGE OF THE BOX
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:27CEST
GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
CITY DRAW LEVEL
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:27CEST
Toni Kroos jumps in to stab a loose pass away from De Bruyne on the edge of the box. The German has, so far, proved all the doubters (including myself) wrong.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:27CEST
City can't cope with Madrid's relentless waves of forward play. They are making mistakes in defence and doubting what to do in split-second decisions.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:26CEST
This is definitely the best spell Madrid have had all game. City are now even finding it difficult to maintain possession as the press from the home side is working brilliantly.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:24CEST
Nothing given. We continue.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:22CEST
Benzema's cross found Valverde and the ball appears to have hit Grealish's arm...
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:22CEST
Madrid are asking for a handball!
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:22CEST
We've had an hour of play and the overall tide feels as though it is about to turn: the home side are creeping their way into the driving seat. The crowd are bouncing and the players are feeding off the confidence.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:21CEST
Valverde fires over from distance!
Madrid are finding their mojo.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:20CEST
It was a deflection... Madrid have a corner.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:19CEST
Ederson hesitates as Vinicius' shot bounces off a defender as everyone watches. The corner finds Rodrygo who whacks an effort skyward.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:19CEST
Real Madrid are still allowing City the ball, but the difference in this half is that the home side look a lot more comfortable when on the ball.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:18CEST
The Norwegian breaks in behind the Madrid defence and lines up the shot with the ball on his stronger foot, but Alaba slides in at the last second to block the effort and send the ball away.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:17CEST
ALABA WITH A HUGE BLOCK ON HAALAND
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:15CEST
City are starting to find their spinning teacups formations; the move on the edge of the box ends with a De Bruyne shot that is saved.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:15CEST
Kroos steps in to poke the ball away from Haaland, who hasn't had a sniff so far this half.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:14CEST
Offside given on De Bruyne, but what an effort from the goalkeeper.
The midfielder broke down the right and fired a shot across goal that Courtois got an iron hand to.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:13CEST
COURTOIS MAKES A HUGE SAVE!!
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:12CEST
Some delightful link-up play between Vinicius, Benzema and Carvajal ends with the Frenchman blasting a shot over the bar. A let off for Guardiola's side who had no way of stopping the trio.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:11CEST
MADRID GO CLOSE WITH BENZEMA!!
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:10CEST
Madrid have started this half with the confidence that a goal gives you: they look much more comfortable on the ball as they pass through City's press.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:10CEST
Courtois catches De Bruyne's cross and Madrid try to counter before opting for some slower possession.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:08CEST
Carvajal gets down well to stop a through ball from City's left and the ball rolls out for an early corner.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:07CEST
He's back at left-back and just got skinned by Kevin De Bruyne, who starts the pattern again of Madrid being pushed back.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:07CEST
Camavinga has started as a midfielder; Real Madrid with some early possession.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:06CEST
Here we go again!
Real Madrid kick us off...
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:05CEST
The players are out for the second half!
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:04CEST
Opta bringing the goods again
City: 6 shots, 4 on target, 68% possession.
Madrid: 1 goal.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:04CEST
Some more Vinicius stats:
Ronaldo and Rodrygo have now been joined by Vinicius in Champions League goals for Real Madrid.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202322:00CEST
Are we allowed to call the goal a screamer?
Plenty of fans in the stadium definitely screamed, so I'll just leave it as it is. It was a wonderful effort from the player, that's for sure.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:58CEST
Vini joins an elite list
Vinicius Junior adds another record to his already fantastic season.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:55CEST
HT:
Well, well well... you just knew it would happen!
Real Madrid go into the break with a one-goal advantage after Vinicius' strike gave City the heebie jeebies just after the half hour mark. Guardiola's side had Madrid pinned into their own box for long stretches, with Los Blancos struggling to get out past the 20-yard line.
Real Madrid have had around 30% possession but we all know what they can do with just 1%. And with that, they go into the break with a smile on their face.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:56CEST
Half time!
And that's all for now!
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:50CEST
Kroos goes in very late on Gundogan and gets the game's first yellow.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:50CEST
We've just had another minute of handbags between the two. Not long to go now.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:49CEST
2 minutes added.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:48CEST
Carvajal down; it looks like Grealish retaliated after being shoved.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:47CEST
Akanji looks for Haaland with a cross that the world's tallest man would've complained about. City's nerves are rattling.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:47CEST
Pep looks very suave in his black blazer and jumper, but Carlo looks cooler. As I type this, Modric takes the ball out of the sky like he's picking apples, and is immediately voted to coolest person in the stadium.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:46CEST
Gundogan finds himself all alone on the right side and plays a delightfully tasty pass across the goal line for Haal- oh, nobody.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:44CEST
CHANCE FOR CITY
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:44CEST
City are rushing passes as they try to regain ground at the Santiago Bernabéu, which now seems covered in white shirts.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:42CEST
Real Madrid smell blood. Benzema runs around City's defender on the left sideline and almost manages to find Vinicius inside the box, but his cross is blocked.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:41CEST
We're back underway. The crowd are jubilant.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:40CEST
Modric plays a lovely flick to Camavinga, who drives inwards and plays the Vinicius on the edge of the box. The Brazilian dances inside and unleashes a ferocious effort into the top corner! What a goal and what a noise from the crowd!
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:39CEST
WHAT A STRIKE FROM THE BRAZILIAN
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:38CEST
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GOOOOOOLLLLLAAAAZZZZZZZOOOO FROM VINICIUS JUNIOR
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:38CEST
GOOOOOOOAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL VINI SCORES
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:38CEST
Fede Valverde makes a typical run down the right leaving everyone behind before whipping in a wonderful cross to Benzema, who uses his arm to control the ball, which the referee sees.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:37CEST
WHAT A CHANCE FOR MADRID!
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:36CEST
Vini makes a great tackle when Dias realises he has nobody ahead of him and makes a daring run 10 yards towards goal. Madrid counter with Camavinga and again we are reminded that Los Blancos have life in them.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:36CEST
Rodrygo plays a fantastic cross from the right towards Vinicius, whose effort to score a header from 10 yards out is admirable, if not a little ambitious.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:34CEST
Some magic water and we're back and ready to go.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:33CEST
We're stills stopped as Gundogan looks very dazed by that challenge. Fair enough, smashing into Rüdiger isn't something I'd look forward to either.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:33CEST
Ancelotti is taking advantage of the stoppage to scream at his players while he moulds invisible plasticine in the air.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:31CEST
The referee stops play as Gundogan is laid on the floor like he's taking advantage of being somewhere sunnier than Manchester. Rüdiger slammed into him, and it was quite a late challenge.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:31CEST
Grealish complains as Dani Carvajal makes a tactical foul on the counter-attacking player. Potentially the most hypocritical claim I've ever seen.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:29CEST
And that's how they get ya! Out of nowhere, Vini finds space on the left and plays a low ball through Stones' legs that almost finds Benzema as he slides in at the far post, but Rúben Dias clears.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:27CEST
WHAT A CHANCE FOR MADRID
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Madrid try their luck but rush things with Kroos, of all people. Rodrygo made his way down the right and fed the German but the pass towards Benzema was way off.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:26CEST
City have Madrid pinned inside their own box as they taunt them with possession. It's like watching Matilda inside Mrs Trunchbull's chokey.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:25CEST
Wee little Luka Modric clears. The heart, and hair, of a lion.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:24CEST
Walker flies down the right and forces Camavinga into a last-gasp block. City have another corner and another chance to pressure the home side.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:23CEST
Gundogan, after some good work from City, fires over the bar.
John Stones had gone down in the build up but the referee saw that the player made a meal of the challenge and told him to get up, despite the players asking for a penalty.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:22CEST
Karim Benzema gets played in behind as Madrid attack in a flash: Rodrygo played the ball towards goal but Ederson got out well to smother the pass. The Bernabéu crowd respond.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:20CEST
Madrid instantly move into attack mode, of course. Just when you think that they're at their worst, they go for you.
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And another shot for Haaland!
A ball to the back post is met by the Norwegian that is saved.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:18CEST
Madrid can't get out of the first 20 yards of the pitch: Haaland recovers the ball and fires a low shot towards Courtois that the Belgian stops with ease. Squeaky bum time for Los Blancos.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:18CEST
Haaland goes to ground in the box, and he wants a penalty from it. The ball was played over the top into the six-yard box and was nudged by Carvajal, but it wasn't enough to knock over the monster boy.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:17CEST
Rodri hit a daisy cutter shot from the edge of the box that Courtois managed to stop with his fingertips. Corner to City, who are on top.
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ANOTHER HUGE SAVE FROM COURTOIS
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So far, Real Madrid are being allowed the ball in defence, but as soon as they try to move away from their own goal, the City press suffocates them. As of yet, they don't have any solutions.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:14CEST
Kroos, Valverde and Modric are sticking together in the middle of the pitch, trying their best to squeeze the zone that De Bruyne might be hiding inside.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:14CEST
De Bruyne was fed the ball on the edge of the box and hit a low shot that curled towards the post. It looked dangerous to the average layman but I'm sure it didn't even tickle the gloves of Courtois.
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BIG SAVE FROM COURTOIS
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And of course, just as I type that, Madrid put together a string of 15 perfect passes from left to right, ending with a delightful lobbed pass towards Carvajal on the right. Guardiola stands up in response. The nerves are on show from both sides.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:10CEST
Madrid can't keep hold of the ball at the moment: Camavinga manages to recover from Walker down his side but the pass to Vinicius is poor and City keep their possession ticking up in the early stages.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:09CEST
Kroos blocks Gundogan's shot from the edge of the box as City have their first spell of sustained possession, pinning Madrid into their own box.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:07CEST
Oof. Madrid break after City get into the home side's box and Vini Jr burns past his marker before finding Benzema in the middle of the pitch, but his touch is loose and Dias clears.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:06CEST
Every pass and every challenge is either being met with cheers or boos, depending on the team. So far, it's loss and loss of possession as both teams try to feel each other out.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:05CEST
Grealish is in pain as well. Didn't think I'd be using that card so early on...
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Rodrygo looks to be in some pain from the challenge... one to keep an eye on, perhaps.
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City are pressing Madrid in a 4-4-2 with Haaland and De Bruyne up front.
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A long ball from City towards Haaland to start; Madrid break and Grealish gets pulled back for a foul on Rodrygo.
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And we're off!
City kick us off from right to left.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202321:02CEST
Serious faces all round as the Champions League anthem plays
All except one. Haaland has a huge grin on his face as he listens to the music. He's thinking about goals.
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The players are out of the tunnel!
We're just minutes away from kick-off!
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202320:59CEST
'The King and his Cup'
The Madrid fans' tifo was huge and definitely reminded the away fans that they are about to play in what many call Real Madrid's competition. To be fair, they have won it 14 times.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202320:57CEST
The Real Madrid anthem is ringing round an absolutely packed Santiago Bernabéu! What an amazing atmosphere!
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202320:55CEST
A reminder of the starting XIs:
Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Rüdiger, Alaba, Camavinga; Valverde, Modric, Kroos; Rodrygo, Benzema, Vini Jr
Man City XI: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Akanji; Rodri, Gundogan; De Bruyne, Silva, Grealish; Haaland
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202320:49CEST
The players are finishing their warmups and are about to head down the tunnel... to a humungous roar from the crowd!
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202320:47CEST
Pep Guardiola pre-game:
We don’t need extra motivation, not anymore. We played well in both matches, but we’re not here for ‘revenge’. We’re simply here to try to reach the final, nothing else. If we persist, someday we’ll achieve it. Madrid know exactly what it takes in this competition.
Look, to win this competition, you have to beat the best teams. And Madrid are the best team in this competition. They’ve proven it in the last two decades. In the first leg last year, we played an exceptional match. And in the second leg, it wasn’t exceptional, but we played well. And it wasn’t enough! So, congratulations to Madrid... and here we are again.
Thibaut Courtois saved Real Madrid plenty last season
While he's perhaps not been in as headline-making form this season, he's still been a wall of security for Real Madrid this season. Even if the 'How to stop Haaland' plan doesn't work in Madrid's outfield team, City's striker still has to get past the Belgian.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202320:37CEST
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We have got seismic battles all across the pitch tonight, but one of the most intriguing is that of the two strikers. Karim Benzema and Erling Haaland are two of the world's best forwards, and as such here's a wonderful head to head comparison between the tow players from Will.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202320:31CEST
The Bernabéu is filling up nicely
The fans are slowly moving inside the stadium after the fantastic welcome that they gave to the players as they arrived at the famous stadium. The flappy Champions League ball is already set to flap which means that we've not got long to go!
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202320:22CEST
The City players have changed out of their electrician outfits
There we go, much better. Grealish and Mahrez have both been stroking the Bernabéu pitch as they inspected it, I'm not sure what they thought was going to happen.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202320:14CEST
Gaspafotos/MB Media / Getty Images
Tactical question: Will Kroos play as a 6 tonight?
So, all things point to Toni playing as the defensive pivot in Carlo's XI, which is not something that has historically been a source of much success for Madrid.
Tonight he will have Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundgogan all exchanges places around him like synchronised swimmers, so it will certainly be key for his teammates to make sure he is not isolated in front of the defence.
Before the starting XI was announced, the rumour mill spun out the possibility of Camavinga playing in midfield, so it might be up to the Frenchman to act as cover for his teammate. Surely Carlo has his reasoning, but it would take a backroom staff of Mystic Megs to get inside his skull to see what he's thinking.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202320:08CEST
The players have arrived!
We've got just over an hour to go and the two teams have arrived at the Santiago Bernabéu; Man City have made the trip dressed like they're coming to fix a web server at Google HQ.
The Manchester City players have just stepped out onto the pitch at a still-empty stadium. That's because the fans are all still partying outside.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202319:59CEST
An interesting selection of scarves available...
Who have we got here... Benzema, Juanito, Manchester City... nothing else interesting to see. If you don't understand any of the references, make sure to ask on your next trip to Madrid.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202319:48CEST
JESUS ALVAREZ ORIHUELA / DIARIO AS
Who to watch: Vini Jr
Maybe Toni Kroos in the pivot position is a more pressing matter (we'll get to it), but the player to watch tonight is certainly going to be Vinicius Jr. Manchester City's season can be defined by the inclusion of Haaland, but also, on a slightly less obvious manner, on the lack of full-backs in their squad.
Zinchenko and Cancelo both left the club and as such, Guardiola was left with Kyle Walker who hasn't seen many minutes this season. Stones has played at right-back in various moments of different games but he has been pushed forward alongside Rodri in midfield.
As such, it will be interesting to see how Guardiola deals with Vinicius Jr, a player who has 22 goals and 21 assists so far this season. Will Walker be able to contain him?
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202319:56CEST
City lineup announced!
Walker comes in for the injured Aké in defence:
Ederson
Walker - Dias - Akanji
Stones - Rodrigo
Silva - Gundogan - De Bruyne - Grealish
Haaland
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202319:35CEST
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I appreciate we've had more rule changes than anything else over the last few seasons from Mr Infantino, so it makes sense that there is still confusion.
But don't worry, you don't need to head out to your local Walmart to buy FIFA's hefty football bible, because we've got a slimmed-down skinny version for you. Here's what happens if the games in the Champions League ends in a draw, and what is the latest situation on the away goals rule.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202319:29CEST
GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP
How it went last time...
I know you all remember, but let's hear it again. Manchester City and Real Madrid punched the life out of each other at the Etihad Stadium in a game that finished 4-3 to the home side and while many came out of the ground thinking that the scoreline was the most important thing, Real Madrid remained alive in the tie.
And that is all they needed. Even when Mahrez struck late on to put city 2 goals up on aggregate, it wasn't enough, as Rodrygo's late-than-late double out of nowhere took the game to extra time before a Benzema penalty saw a surge in hotel cancellations across the French capital.
Madrid did it because they were alive, with just one percent, which was all they need in this competition: they are the football equivalent of an undying Terminator machine. It's a good thing for City then, that they bought themselves their own robotic killer.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202319:24CEST
A heavyweight battle on the touchline
There were some very unrepeatable words being said about City's manager outside the ground earlier on, but looking at his record, you have to admire Guardiola whatever team you support.
A total of 31 trophies is a staggering achievement and he even has the upper hand overall against Carlo, who is no slouch.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202319:18CEST
It's a gorgeous evening in Madrid...
And there were a few red faces in the centre of the city according to our AS journalists who were out in the field getting the thoughts of the fans.
The Manchester City social media manager has taken advantage of this to write '0% chance of rain', proving that there really is a first time for everything. Something tells me it won't be the same for the return leg.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202319:16CEST
Real Madrid's starting XI!
Carlo has gone full Carlo and announced his starting XI while the Manchester City fans are still partying in Plaza Mayor. No surprises from the Italian, though.
Courtois
Carvajal - Rüdiger - Alaba - Camavinga
Kroos - Modric - Valverde
Rodrygo - Benzema - Vini Jr
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202319:09CEST
If you have just joined us...
Welcome, welcome to the AS USA live coverage of the UEFA Champions League semi-final between Real Madrid and Manchester City.
It's Joe here to guide you through the laughter and tears at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. What a monster night of football we have got ahead of us.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202319:06CEST
We've got two tough-to-call semi-finals coming up this week, for my money. Two of Europe's biggest hitters will face off today and next Wednesday, while a Milan derby...is a Milan derby. That's tomorrow and Tuesday next week.
There's every chance that both ties could finish level after 180 minutes. What happens then? Are away goals still in play? Do they go straight to penalties?
So many questions. Here are the answers.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202318:54CEST
Today's the day
Real Madrid and the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu live for days like these. The Champions League makes Los Blancos come alive and against Manchester City we'll see the stadium at its noisiest.
The Bernabéu was already a bucket-list stadium before renovation started and we won't have too much longer to wait to see how it's going to look when it's finished.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202318:37CEST
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We've got just two-and-a-half to go until kick-off! Here's a little reminder of who's in and who's out on both sides.
The good news - for us neutrals, at least - is that both teams will be almost at full strength for the game. However, there will be one important absentee on the Madrid side in particular.
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202318:24CEST
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We all think we know how good these two teams are, but what do those who watch them every week think?
Manchester City fans Andy (there are two of them) and Ed have given their thoughts to AS USA and agree that they are being spoiled at the Etihad at the moment.
“Oh, the team is unbelievable. If you go through the team, there is literally no bad player in the team, not one weak link.”
“We were a brilliant side in 2018. I’m not sure if this team is actually better, but now we can win games that we maybe don’t deserve to win.”
Does that last bit sound familiar, Real Madrid fans?
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202318:10CEST
Real Madrid vs Manchester City: Vinicius vs Haaland
Did you see Real Madrid's Copa del Rey final victory over Osasuna? If not, go back and watch the first 30 minutes and let me know if you've ever seen a more devastating spell in any match from an attacking player. Vinícius 'The Magician' Júnior ran riot against the men from Pamplona and will be the man City need to stop.
What more can we say about Erling ' The Robot' Haaland that hasn't already been said? Over 50 goals in his debut season with the Sky Blues. Likewise, he'll be City's main threat at the Bernabéu; will the Real Madrid defence be able to cope?
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202317:49CEST
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If City don't make it through to their first ever final, they'll be blaming the fan we spoke to in the piece below for jinxing things. This next tale seems to be more consistent with the idea of tempting fate...
“We were 0-1 up and if Jack [Grealish] had that chance it right at the end we’d have been 0-2 up and the match would have been finished. When it went into injury time I was thinking about how to book my flights to Paris! And then, obviously, it all went wrong, so I was a bit gutted really.”
The lesson, City supporters, is to not even think about Istanbul (is that even where the final is being played?).
as.comPublicado a las: 09/05/202317:00CEST
