Real Madrid vs Man City LIVE RESULT – Champions League quarter-final: Valverde scores brilliant equaliser in thriller
MANCHESTER CITY and Real Madrid played out a truly brilliant draw in the first leg of their titanic Champions League clash.
Bernardo Silva had given Man City the lead less than two minutes into the game at the Bernabeu, catching Andriy Lunin sleeping.
But Real Madrid fought back to lead with two goals in two minutes - the first a Ruben Dias own goal from a heavily deflected Eduardo Camavinga shot and the second a rapid counter from Rodrygo.
Los Blancos were in charge before Phil Foden fired a rocket into the top corner, with Josko Gvardiol then scoring a stunner of his own to give City the lead.
Real Madrid then struck back themselves, Federico Valverde brilliantly volleying home to share the spoils and set up a tense second leg.
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Real Madrid starting XI:
Vinicius Junior returns to the starting line-up after missing the game on the weekend due to suspension.
13. Lunin, 2. Carvajal, 22. Rudiger, 23. Mendy, 12. Camavinga, 15. Valverde, 8. Kroos, 5. Bellingham, 7. Vinicius Junior, 11. Rodrygo
Credit: @realmadriden Clash of the titans in Madrid
Two of the teams most-fancied to lift the Champions League this season meet at the quarter-final stage.
While some would have liked to see the pair meet in the final, it offers a salivating tie for fans.
Madrid will be looking to take a lead to Manchester for the second leg.
Credit: Getty Man City team news
Man City have been losing defenders at regularity of late and Josko Gvardiol is the latest to pick up a niggle during their trip to Crystal Palace on the weekend but is in the squad for the trip to Spain.
Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake are to miss out for the crunch match due to injury however.
Ederson, Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden are all expected to return to first team action this evening as Guardiola looks to get a positive result to take back to Manchester for the second leg.
Real Madrid team news
The main two long-term absentees for Real Madrid are Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba as they continue their rehabilitation from knee injuries.
Dani Ceballos is now training with the senior squad after being out injured so hope will be that he will soon be available for Carlo Ancelotti.
Eder Militao made a second appearance of the season as a late substitute on the weekend although the manager is likely not to rush him back into starting games just yet.
Vinicius Junior missed the game on the weekend due to suspension but will be available for the visit of Man City, with Brahim Diaz expected to make way for him.
Security heightened for European clash
Due to credible threats from terrorist groups, there will be an increased police presence for the game this evening.
While all welcome the move, we will be hoping there are no incidents in Spain.
The showpiece event will be watched all over the world and even the neutrals will not be wanting anything to tarnish what offers to be a monumental match-up.
Credit: EPA Guardiola on Ederson
Pep Guardiola has admitted he must "think about it" before deciding who to start in goal tonight.
Ederson could make his return from injury, replacing Stefan Ortega between the sticks for Manchester City.
Speaking ahead of the match, Guardiola explained: "I have to think about it. He [Ederson] feels good.
"Now I have to decide if a lack of rhythm for that match, I have to decide, but we are really pleased with the [performance] from Stefan Ortega. He is an exceptional keeper."
Credit: PA Team news
Ederson could make his long-awaited return for Manchester City against Real Madrid.
The Brazilian goalkeeper has not played since picking up an injury in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool on March 10.
In his absence, Stefan Ortega has kept two clean sheets in four appearances for City.
Elsewhere, Nathan Ake and Kyle Walker have not travelled to Spain, whilst Josko Gvardiol is a doubt for the treble winners.
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A massive night lies ahead in the Spanish capital with a repeat of last year's semi-final clash.
On their way to winning the Treble, Man City faced Real Madrid and eventually ran out 5-1 winners on aggregate.
Like this year, the first leg was at the Bernabeu last year, with Pep Guardiola's side picking up a 1-1 draw.
They would happily take that tonight if it meant following up with the same 4-0 win in the second leg.
