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