Real Madrid secured an impressive victory over Manchester City with a score of 4:1 in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals.
Real Madrid delivered an outstanding performance in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, crushing Manchester City 4-1. A brace from Vinícius Júnior and goals from Bellingham and Rodrygo secured a comfortable advantage for the Spanish club ahead of the return leg.
The Spanish giant dominated from the first minutes.
Real Madrid started the match with high intensity and opened the scoring in the 12th minute thanks to a precise strike from Vinícius Júnior. Manchester City tried to respond, but the hosts' defense was flawless.
In the second half, the Spaniards increased the pressure, and in the 58th minute, Jude Bellingham doubled the lead. Haaland reduced the visitors' deficit, but quick goals from Rodrigo and a second from Vinícius sealed the match.
We knew we had to play aggressively and use our strengths. Today the team showed the character of champions.
— Карло Анчелотти, главный тренер Реала
Tactical miscalculations by Pep Guardiola
Manchester City couldn't find an answer to Real Madrid's quick counterattacks. The absence of Rodri in the center of the field seriously weakened the visitors' defense.
Guardiola tried to change the course of the match with substitutions, but Foden and Grealish couldn't turn the tide. Kevin De Bruyne looked tired and lacked his usual creativity.
Now Manchester City faces the toughest challenge in the return leg at the Etihad, where they will need to overturn a three-goal deficit.