Real Madrid Match Report: Leg 1 UEFA Champions League
Manchester City Take Narrow Lead
Mahrez's Goal Gives City Slight Advantage
Real Madrid's hopes of reaching the UEFA Champions League final took a blow on Tuesday night as they were defeated 1-0 by Manchester City in the first leg of their semi-final clash at the Bernabeu. Riyad Mahrez scored the only goal of the game in the 73rd minute, giving City a narrow advantage heading into the second leg in Manchester next week.
Real Madrid started the game brightly and had the best of the early chances. Karim Benzema fired wide from a good position, while Vinicius Junior had a goal ruled out for offside. However, as the half wore on, City began to take control of the game and created several chances of their own. Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden both went close, but they were unable to find a breakthrough.
The second half continued in the same vein, with City looking the more likely to score. Bernardo Silva hit the post with a curling effort, and Mahrez also went close with a number of chances. Real Madrid struggled to create any clear-cut opportunities, and they were eventually punished for their profligacy when Mahrez scored with a fine finish from the edge of the area.
The goal gave City a vital away goal, and it means that Real Madrid will need to score at least twice in the second leg to progress to the final. The Spanish side will have to improve their attacking play if they are to overcome the deficit, but they will take heart from the fact that they have a good record at home in the Champions League.
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