Manchester City will go into the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid with everything to play for after Tuesday’s 0-0 draw at Etihad Stadium.
City became only the third side to stop the 10-time European
champions from scoring in this season’s competition in a captivating
tie, but had Joe Hart to thank for a string of late saves.
Madrid – who were without Cristiano Ronaldo due to a thigh problem –
will rue the lack of an away goal, but now have the opportunity to take
control of the tie at home, while City will hope to net a crucial away
goal in the Spanish capital.
A cagey opening 45 minutes saw both sides struggle to create chances
of note, City slightly edging proceedings while Karim Benzema wasted a
late half chance.
Sergio Ramos should have done better with a header early in the
second half but it was a rare sight of goal as both defences resumed
control, and the ball spent a large amount of time in midfield.
Casemiro and Pepe were both denied a late winner by Hart’s heroics as
it ended all squad ahead of the second leg at Santiago Bernabeu on May
4.
