Treble-chasing Manchester City face the ultimate test of their Champions League credentials as they travel to face Real Madrid tonight in the first leg of the blockbuster semi-final tie. Pep Guardiola’s side continue their bid to win the competition for the first time, but they come up against a side in Real who have lifted the trophy on 14 occasions.
City were able to rest the likes of Jack Grealish, Rodri and Ruben Dias last time out in the narrow win over Leeds and all come in here to start, while plenty of attention will be on Erling Haaland tonight to see if he can proved the difference at the Bernabeu. The striker has 12 Champions League goals in eigth appearances this season.
Real sit third in La Liga after a stumbling run of form, so the full focus for Carlo Ancelotti’s side is very much on Europe and a competition that they have so often delivered in. The defending Champions have already seen off Liverpool and Chelsea on their way to the last-four. Follow Real Madrid vs Man City with Standard Sport’s LIVE blog below!
Live updates
48 mins: Real gameplan isn’t going to change. They’ll still be just as patient, knowing the danger they pose on the threat.
Modric looks to set Camavinga away down the left, just too much on the pass though and the Frenchman can’t keep it in play.
Back underway!
Up and running again in Madrid!
As good as anyone in the world right now?
One shot for Real Madrid in that half. One goal. Same old Real…
City have had 68% of the ball, six shots and pretty much all of the territory. Means absolutely nothing though.
Real doing Real things.
HT: Real Madrid 1-0 Man City
Referee will be glad that half is done, was all starting to get very heated. Guardiola is having another long chat with the linesman.
It’s Real who lead, after one moment of magic from Vinicius. City with so much of the ball and plenty of control, but nothing to show for it.
45+2 mins: There is the first yellow card of the match, Kroos best not bother complaining about that.
That is absolutely wild from the Real midfielder, almost hip high as he deliberately takes Gundogan out. Yellow is fortunate.
45 mins: De Bruyne with the early cross into the box, Grealish tries to get there at the back post but Carvajal sends him flying into the boards with an entirely pointless shove.
Carvajal then throws himself to the floor, claiming Grealish has lashed out at him. Definitely not. Alaba drags his team-mate up, unimpressed with the rolling around he’s seeing.
Two minutes added on.
42 mins: Gundogan makes the run in behind for City, fires the ball across the face of goal but nobody there for the tap-in. De Bruyne keeps the attack going though, wins a corner.
He whips it to the back post, Rodri lurking but the City midfielder gives away a free-kick.
40 mins: City back to controlling possession, but that danger from Real on the break now feels a lot more serious.
Vinicius and Rodrygo waiting to pounce, and City are looking exposed in transition.
