Kevin De Bruyne struck a stunning equaliser as Manchester City claimed a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.
The Belgian cancelled out an equally brilliant first-half effort from Vinicius Junior when he fired past international teammate Thibaut Courtois from the edge of the area after 67 minutes in the Bernabeu Stadium.
Treble-chasing City had dominated a lot of the early play but holders Real drew first blood in a tense battle when Vinicius lashed home from 25 yards after 36 minutes.
The result leaves the tie delicately poised ahead of next week’s return clash at the Etihad Stadium.
City came into the fixture looking to avenge their loss to Real at the same stage last year and were not fazed by their return to the scene of their late capitulation in that tie.
They started strongly, controlling possession in their usual confident manner and patiently looking to carve out opportunities.
When the chances came they initially found Courtois in defiant mood.
The former Chelsea No 1 saved well from De Bruyne before pushing away a Rodri effort and twice denying Erling Haaland.
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Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne celebrates with teammates after scoring the equaliser against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first-leg match at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid on May 9, 2023. AFP -
Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City scores the equaliser. Getty -
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is beaten by Kevin De Bruyne strike to equalise for Manchester City. AP -
Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City celebrates after scoring. Getty -
Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne celebrates his goal with teammates. AFP -
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring their first goal. Getty -
Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior scores the opening goal. Reuters -
Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior scores the first goal. Reuters -
Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan tangles with Real Madrid's Dani Carvajal. AFP -
Referee Artur Dias shows a yellow card to Real Madrid coach Carlos Ancelotti . EPA -
Toni Kroos of Real Madrid fouls Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan. Getty -
Referee Artur Dias Soares shows a yellow card to Toni Kroos of Real Madrid for a foul on Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan. Getty -
Real Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois makes a save as Manchester City's Erling Haaland closes him down. Reuters -
Medics tend to Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan after he received a head injury in a clash with Antonio Rudiger. AFP -
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti greets Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola before the kick-off. AP -
Former Real Madrid star David Beckham with his son Cruz at the Santiago Bernabeu. Getty
Real rarely got out of their own half early on but they did serve warning of their threat when Vinicius broke and centred for Karim Benzema but the Frenchman failed to control.
As the first half wore on the hosts grew into the game and Ederson needed to be alert to prevent Benzema reaching a Rodrygo through-ball.
The hosts snatched the lead after Eduardo Camavinga combined with Luka Modric and then played Vinicius through. The Brazilian sped on to the ball and unleashed a ferocious drive that flew past Ederson.
City did not panic in response but Real then began testing their patience.
Jack Grealish had come in for some rough treatment from Dani Carvajal since the start and things threatened to get out of hand when the Spaniard barged the City midfielder into the advertising hoardings.
When Carvajal held out an arm to help the Englishman up, Grealish attempted to push him away and Carvajal flung himself to the ground theatrically.
Portuguese referee Artur Dias let that incident go but did get out his yellow card soon after when Toni Kroos fouled Ilkay Gundogan after one of several skirmishes between the Germany teammates.
City manager Pep Guardiola was far from happy with the officials as the first half drew to a close and Real’s spoiling tactics continued after the break.
City tried to avoid the distractions and went close again when De Bruyne broke clear but Courtois stuck out a hand to save at close range. David Alaba produced a fine tackle to prevent Haaland shooting.
The visitors had to do some defending too and they conceded a succession of corners before Federico Valverde shot narrowly over.
Yet City were not flustered and they equalised in the 67th minute with a superb strike from De Bruyne.
This time Courtois had no chance as De Bruyne fired into the bottom corner from just outside the area.
Real manager Carlo Ancelotti was booked amid some commotion on the touchline as De Bruyne celebrated.
Real finished strongly and Ederson produced fine saves to keep out a header from Benzema and a long-range shot from Aurelien Tchouameni.
