Manchester City 0-0 Real Madrid: Five Talking Points

Vincent Kompany Gareth Bale

Manchester City and Real Madrid cancel each other out in a quite encounter as the first-leg of the first semi-final in the Champions League ended goalless at the Etihad, leaving all to play for at the Santiago Bernabeu next week.

The hosts made a brighter start to the game when they went forward in search of an early goal, but Los Blancos crawled their way back into it after the break. Sergio Ramos and Pepe each missed good chances, whilst Jese Rodriguez struck against the post.

At the other end, Raheem Sterling missed a glorious chance to draw the first blood in City’s favour after being put clear on goal late into the game, whereas Kevin De Bruyne, who was ineffective for large spells of the game, spurned another opportunity from a set-piece in the dying embers.

Here’s some of the major talking points from a rather sombre encounter

1. All sizzle but no steak in Manchester

Semi-finals of the Champions League and two teams desperate to save their seasons, this was supposed to be a full-blooded, full-throttle battle between the sides. But what transpired, was quite disappointing as it did not totally live up to its billing.

Both sides were excellent in the defence, and that played a part in nullifying each other out in the attack. At one end where Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne were shut out, the likes of Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale were boxed up at the other. Although City’s defence opened up a bit in the second stanza, Joe Hart was there to keep the tie keenly poised.

There were no clear cut chances for either sides throughout the course of the game and ended up a damp squib after so much promise in the build-up to it.

2. The gulf in experience between the sides was very visible

Karim Benzema Nicolas Otamendi

Manchester City have surely punched above their weights by reaching the last 4 of the competition, but their inexperience at this stage was evident. Although they did keep Madrid quite largely in the opening 45 minutes, they were unable to take undue advantage of Ronaldo and Benzema’s absence, something that they’ll be kicking themselves for.

Whilst the Portuguese maestro was ruled out just hours before the clash after failing to pass the fitness test, striker Karim Benzema was substituted at half-time after picking up a knock apparently. Now with two of the three members of the ‘BBC’ trio out, the stage was set for City to capitalize. And they failed.

Real Madrid gained some footing in the midfield after the break which they never let by again in the game. The Skyblues were frustrated at the other end and failed to exploit the visitor’s understrength. Now they are left with the prospect of facing the complete trio at the Bernabeu, where the visiting sides have been culled this season.

3. Real Madrid missed Ronaldo’s aerial prowess

Cristiano Ronaldo

Two of the three best opportunities for Real Madrid in this game came in the air, but none were converted. Sergio Ramos got the first shot on target with a glancing header off Kroos’ corner, but headed it straight at Joe Hart, whereas a looping cross from Vazquez was too high for Jese.

On both occasions, Real Madrid were only left to rue what might have been had their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo had been in those positions. The 30-year old is known for his stupendous prowess in the air and has scored a barrage of goals off his head.

Apart from their struggles to break down the robust City defence, the visitors missed him on that count.

4. City have Hart to thank for the draw

Joe Hart

Manchester City custodian Joe Hart has time and again bailed his side out of sticky situations in the past, and had it not been for his heroics in between the sticks again today, Real Madrid would have surely left with an away goal or two.

The England international denied Pepe was point-blank range midway in the second-half when the Portuguese could have broken the deadlock, and also made a key save later on when Casemiro tried his luck with a headed effort.

Hart was irrefutably the best City player on the field, and all thanks to him, the Premier League outfit travel to the Spanish capital next week with all to play for.

5. The tie goes down to the wire

Zinedine Zidane Manuel Pellegrini

A goalless draw means none of the sides head into the return leg next week with a clear advantage, leaving the door ajar for both of them. Although a score-draw would put City through, but Real Madrid have been a different animal at home.

In 5 home games this season, the Whites have won all 5, scoring 18 times and conceding none. Now that should spell some trouble for Pellegrini’s side, but the way City dealt with Real today, they’ve proved they are no pushovers. But can they replicate it with Cristiano Ronaldo in action is the big question?

Nonetheless, the tie is very much open, and all eyes are on the tantalizing decider at the Bernabeu in 8 days’ time.

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Edited by Staff Editor