Goals galore as Real Madrid and Manchester City play to 3-3 draw

When Bernardo Silva scored with a free-kick in the second minute of the match, one could be excused for thinking Manchester City were on their way to a convincing win over Real Madrid.

But you need a bit of luck in this competition and Real Madrid got some of it as they turned the score around in two minutes. Ruben Dias deflected a shot from Eduardo Camavinga to tie the game and then Rodrygo scored on a fast counter with a little bit of luck as well as his shot took a slight deflection off Manuel Akanji.

Manchester City came alive in the second half as Phil Foden equalized with a stunner in the 66th minute. After a bit of a poor touch, Josko Gvardiol scored a belter himself to give City the lead in the 71st minute.

However, City were unable to maintain control and the back and forth proved to work in Madrid's favor as Federico Valverde scored a beauty in the 79th minute, volleying a cross from Vinicius Junior.

"Fantastic goals for all three [of City's] and Valverde as well. We were unfortunate for the deflections but it's football," Pep Guardiola said after the game. "What I liked most is how we played in the second-half, 2-1 down playing here without much composure.

"They are so dangerous on transitions and could score more goals but we controlled the game really well. One of the key points in these games is being stable emotionally. It's fundamental. Take the good moments and be stable in the bad moments."

Credit to Real Madrid who didn't hang their heads going down so early nor in the second-half when they saw themselves down in the scoreboard once again.

"As long s we had the energy to press high and make them uncomfortable, we did well," Carlo Ancelotti said after the game. "We started badly, conceding a goal, but then the team started to play, winning the ball and looking for transitions. They scored two great goals, but we had the commitment to get back into the game."

The result does tilt the tie slightly to Manchester City's favor considering the second leg will be played at the Etihad in Manchester. Not onlt that, but the likes of Kyle Walker and Ederson could be back in time. The same for Kevin De Bruyne who was on the bench but did not feature as he was suffering from a stomach virus.

"They have some of the best attackers in the world, one of the best teams in the world as well, so it's going to be difficult," Phil Foden said about the second leg. "We have to have the confidence. We did it last year. We have to believe in ourselves and hopefully we can do it again."

Both sides remember last season's game at the Etihad where Manchester City got past Real Madrid 4-0. They won't have to wait long for their next encounter as the second leg is set for Wednesday, April 17.