When Real can get a touch, their thought process is clear. Rodrigo feeds Real’s first meaningful foray forward. The ball eventually comes to Eduardo Camavinga who drives from 20 yards and his deflected effort wrong foots the keeper to level for the home side. Kovacic spots Haaland’s run and tries to find him with a lofted through ball. But the weight on the ball is too much, allowing Lunin to come off his line and collect.
Bernardo Silva catches out Madrid with his freekick. Everybody was expecting a cross but he goes for a low shot, bending the ball around the Madrid wall. Lunin sees the danger too late and is completely caught out. He gets a hand but cannot keep the ball from going inside the net. The defending champion has an early lead at the Bernabeu.
It is one of the rare occasions where City is not having an overwhelming dominance as far as possession is concerned. Madrid looks to have settled after that chaotic start as their backline looks compact as of now. But both teams are on the attack. This game has all the signs of turning out to be a potential thriller.
What a turnaround this is for Real Madrid. Rodrygo times his run to perfection as he is played a wonderful through ball down the left flank. Using his raw pace, he darts at the City goal. Walker and Akanji keeps up but Rodrygo maintains his calm to keep the ball and go for the shot. This time, it is another unfortunate deflection for City as the ball hits Akanji and trickles inside the net.
Haaland tries to catch out Lunin at his near-post with a shot from close distance, forcing a save from the Madrid keeper. The Madrid defence is in scrambles as they try and get the ball away. Grealish gets the ball and goes for a curler, but sees his effort blocked. Madrid finally gets the ball away. Madrid tries to counter but Vinicius is bundled off the ball. Madrid wants a freekick but the referee does not give one, inviting the ire of the Bernabeu crowd.
FEDE VALVERDE WHAT A GOAL! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/7RRg8OnukV
— TC (@totalcristiano) April 9, 2024