Liverpool vs. Real Madrid UCL Final Delayed Due to Fan Issues Entering Stadium
May 28, 2022
PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 28: The LED screen shows the message of a delayed kick off time prior to the UEFA Champions League final match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid at Stade de France on May 28, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
UEFA announced that the start of Saturday's men's UEFA Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool in Paris would be delayed by 30 minutes.
European football's governing body initially attributed the delay to fans arriving late, first delaying the game by 15 minutes and then again:
The Champions League final has been delayed by 15 minutes due to late fan arrivals at the stadium pic.twitter.com/9JAw5KhPsR
However, Miguel Delaney of the Independent and several others reported many fans actually arrived hours before the match but had trouble getting into the venue.
While the match had been set to begin at 3 p.m. ET, Andy Kelly of the Liverpool Echo reported on the chaotic scene outside one of the gates of the Stade de France:
Fans queuing outside with tickets for a gate that’s been shut for no reason just been tear gassed. Throughly unpleasant experience and so dangerous. This isn’t how fans should be treated in a civilised society. Unacceptable
Kristian Walsh of Reach PLC called the situation "dangerous" and "ineptitude of the highest level," scolding both UEFA and French authorities for the handling of fan entry.
Sky Sports News tweeted video of Liverpool fans struggling to make their way into the stadium:
Thousands of Liverpool fans struggle to make it into the Stade de France for the Champions League final. pic.twitter.com/dcic3dbn7L
When Saturday's match kicks off, it will be a clash between two of the most famous and successful clubs in the history of soccer.
Real Madrid own the most UEFA Champions League titles of all time with 13, including three in a row from 2016 to 2018.
Liverpool won a UCL title more recently in 2019, but they lost to Real Madrid in the Champions League final one year earlier.
All told, Liverpool have won six Champions League titles, placing them in a tie with Bayern Munich for the third-most ever.
Saturday also marks the first UCL final to be held in France since 2006, when Barcelona defeated Arsenal.
Kylian Mbappe Contract Prompts La Liga to File FFP Complaint Against PSG
May 21, 2022
PARIS, FRANCE - APRIL 23: Kylian Mbappe #7 of Paris Saint-Germain warms up before the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Paris Saint Germain and RC Lens at Parc des Princes on April 23, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)
La Liga announced it will report Paris Saint-Germain to UEFA after the Ligue 1 champion convinced Kylian Mbappe to sign a new contract.
La Liga issued a statement arguing the contract "attacks the economic stability of European football":
It is scandalous that a club like PSG, which last season reported losses of more than 220 million euros after accumulating losses of more than 700 million euros in prior seasons (while reporting sponsorship income at doubtful valuation), with a squad cost around 650 million for this season, can close such an agreement, while those clubs that could afford the hiring of the player without seeing their wage bill compromised, are left without being able to sign him.
La Liga president Javier Tebas already voiced his criticism on social media, calling Mbappe's return to PSG "an insult to football":
Lo que va a hacer el PSG renovando a Mbappé con grandes cantidades de dinero (a saber dónde y cómo las paga) despues de dar pérdidas por 700M€ en las últimas temporadas y tener mas 600M€ de masa salarial, es un INSULTO al fútbol. Al-Khelafi es tan peligroso como la Superliga. pic.twitter.com/sZ1Y1TaSbK
— Javier Tebas Medrano (@Tebasjavier) May 21, 2022
Faez and Julien Laurens initially reported that Mbappe was snubbing Real Madrid in order to sign a new contract with Paris Saint-Germain.
The 23-year-old was widely seen as likely to sign with Real with his PSG deal expiring this summer. Discussions with the Spanish giants were far enough along that Laurens and Faez reported Mbappe personally spoke with Madrid president Florentino Perez to let him know he wouldn't be signing after all.
Real Madrid after letting Erling Haaland join Man City to focus on signing Kylian Mbappé, only for Mbappé to stay at PSG: pic.twitter.com/nUxgZiAFHb
The specifics of Mbappe's new PSG contract are unclear. The Guardian's Ed Aarons and Fabrizio Romano only described it as a "lucrative extension" that runs until 2025.
It's fair to express a level of concern about how this move is part of a wider trend across world football, one in which an ever-shrinking number of clubs can realistically attract the best talent.
That has been the case to some degree for a long time, but it's telling when even a historically significant power such as Real Madrid is beginning to lose ground, as Miguel Delaney of the Independent noted:
Amazing to think Mbappe signing for *Madrid* would have been better for football.
Any player being paid this much, where only state clubs can compete, is a bad precedent for football. That was always the Qatari aim - raise fees/wages to such a point only a few clubs can compete.
Of course, English football legend and former Barcelona striker Gary Lineker noted there's a level of irony in La Liga drawing a line in the sand here:
I love Spanish football, but the bleating about @KMbappe staying at @PSG_English ruining the sport is a bit much. The 2 Spanish giants have always attracted and paid enormous sums for for the game’s superstars. No one else got a look in. Can’t always have things your own way.
Real Madrid, for example, has been siphoning off top talent from lesser opposition for years.
And in terms of spending above your means, the failed Super League was largely viewed as a vehicle for Real Madrid and other top clubs to begin addressing their sizable debts. Perez and past presidents have been savvy in finding inventive ways to balance the books.
It's unclear what kind of consequences PSG could face as a result of La Liga's legal measures. In May 2014, the club was fined 60 million euros ($63 million) and a squad reduction in UEFA competition for the following season for FFP breaches.
Report: Kylian Mbappe to Announce Decision Between PSG, Real Madrid This Weekend
May 20, 2022
MONTPELLIER, FRANCE - MAY 14: Kylian Mbappe of PSG during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Montpellier HSC (MHSC) and Paris Saint Germain (PSG) at Stade de la Mosson on May 14, 2022 in Montpellier, France. (Photo by John Berry/Getty Images)
Kylian Mbappe is reportedly set to
choose between re-signing with Paris Saint-Germain or joining Real
Madrid "over the next few days," but he's yet to communicate
his decision to either club.
ESPN's Alex Kirkland and Rodrigo Faez
reported Friday that "pessimism" has grown at Madrid after
limited contact with Mbappe in recent weeks, while a "similar level
of uncertainty" exists at PSG as they work to keep the 23-year-old
superstar forward.
The situation was seemingly trending in
favor of Real Madrid earlier in the week when ESPN's Julien Laurens
reported the Parisians were set to give up on their efforts to keep
the French international.
PSG offered Mbappe a massive extension
along with the captain's armband, the ability to keep 100 percent of
earnings from his image rights and a promise to upgrade the squad
before next season, per Laurens.
The Ligue 1 champions appeared to lose
confidence when the proposal wasn't accepted, but it now sounds like
Mbappe has simply decided to keep his decision close to the vest until it's
announced.
PSG's offer is "significantly higher" than what Real Madrid has put on the table, according to Kirkland and
Faez.
Mbappe's decision has the potential to
shift the balance of power in Europe.
The dynamic forward has recorded 168
goals across 216 appearances in all competitions across five seasons
at PSG.
He's coming off a 2021-22 campaign
in which he tallied six goals and four assists in eight UEFA Champions
League matches. He also scored 25 goals in 34 matches to help lead
the club to its eighth Ligue 1 championship in the past 10 years.
Not only would Mbappe's departure leave a massive
void at PSG, but he'd provide another elite option for a Real Madrid
attack that's already showcased its might as the club advanced to
the UCL final against Liverpool on May 28.
Quite a week could be on the horizon
for Los Blancos if they raise the Champions League trophy and
finalize an Mbappe transfer within a couple days of each other.
Kylian Mbappe Rumors: PSG Ends Pursuit After Star Agrees to Terms with Real Madrid
May 17, 2022
Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Kylian Mbappe reacts during the French L1 football match between Angers SCO and Paris Saint-Germain at the Raymond-Kopa Stadium in Angers, north-western France on April 20, 2022. (Photo by LOIC VENANCE / AFP) (Photo by LOIC VENANCE/AFP via Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain has resigned itself to losing star striker Kylian Mbappe, according to ESPN's Julien Laurens.
David Ornstein of The Athletic reported Monday that Mbappe, who's due to be a free agent this summer, agreed to a contract with Real Madrid. The deal hasn't been signed, though, leaving PSG with a sliver of hope about him reversing course and remaining in the French capital.
A last-minute change of heart always seemed unlikely because Mbappe would've surely re-signed with PSG by now if he had wanted to stay where he is.
The 23-year-old told RMC Sport (h/t CBS Sport's Jonathan Johnson) in October he had asked to leave when the summer transfer window was open. Real Madrid had lodged a nine-figure transfer bid but was rebuffed by Paris Saint-Germain.
Still, Laurens reported the Ligue 1 champion was "confident of Mbappe staying as recently as last week."
"They offered Mbappe a huge new deal, promised him a better squad for next season, offered him the captain's armband and 100 percent of his own image rights, according to sources," per Laurens.
With the three-time Ligue 1 Player of the Year now set to depart, the question is whom PSG will identify as a replacement.
Lionel Messi scored just six league goals in his first year at the club, with the legend beginning to show his age (34). Neymar has averaged roughly 18 Ligue 1 appearances per season since signing with PSG in 2017. Mauro Icardi isn't good enough to be the No. 1 option for a side with ambitions of winning the Champions League.
Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland was the most obvious successor to Mbappe, but he's on his way to Manchester City.
PSG has a bottomless well of money it can use to attract marquee names, but signing a striker approaching Mbappe's level might be easier said than done for sporting director Leonardo.
Kylian Mbappe Rumors: Real Madrid Agrees to Terms with PSG Star; Contract Not Signed
May 16, 2022
PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 08: Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint Germain prior to the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Paris Saint Germain and ESTAC Troyes at Parc des Princes on May 8, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Tnani Badreddine/vi/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Real Madrid have agreed to personal terms on a contract with Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein.
Ornstein reported Mbappe has yet to officially sign the deal, however, with PSG still hopeful he will remain in the French capital.
Many expect the 23-year-old will be a member of Real Madrid when the 2022-23 season kicks off.
His contract with PSG is due to expire, and he has long been linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid was prepared to bid $211.7 million to sign him last August but had their pursuits rebuffed by Paris Saint-Germain.
The Frenchman is coming off another prolific season. He had 25 goals and 18 assists in 34 Ligue 1 matches and another six goals and four assists in the Champions League.
Alas, Mbappe has probably achieved all he can in his native country. PSG's round-of-16 exit in the Champions League was another sobering assessment of where it stands compared to the rest of the European elite.
Real Madrid is a different challenge and also presents him with an opportunity to feature for one of the most historically significant clubs in world football history.
For Madrid, this transfer likely represents a sort of succession plan for Karim Benzema. The 34-year-old striker might be on his way toward a Ballon d'Or after scoring in 27 La Liga goals and almost single-handedly carrying Los Blancos to the UEFA Champions League final.
But Benzema is clearly approaching his twilight years. He and Mbappe can line up together for now, and when it's time for the former to move on, the latter will be the lead attacker on the forward line.
That's to say nothing of the financial boon Mbappe's presence will have for Madrid and La Liga for what could be the next decade or more.
Top Winners and Losers After Real Madrid vs. Manchester City UCL Semifinal Leg 2
May 4, 2022
MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 04: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid celebrates with his team mates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final second leg match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on May 4, 2022 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Burak Akbulut/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
For 89 minutes, Manchester City imposed its will on Real Madrid, leading 1-0 on a Riyad Mahrez rocket and 5-3 on aggregate.
And then Los Blancos did what they always seem to do—they won.
Two regulation goals and one extra-time goal later, and Real Madrid had its 3-1 win (6-5 on aggregate) and its berth in the Champions League final against Liverpool.
It should be a match for the ages. First, we'll recap the winners and losers from Wednesday's instant classic, a game that won't soon be forgotten.
Winners: Rodrygo and Karim Benzema
From the depths of despair to the pinnacle of joy, courtesy of Rodrygo and Karim Benzema.
First, it was Rodrygo, the second-half substitution, scoring two goals within a minute of each other at the death to force 30 minutes of extra time:
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 4, 2022
Of course not. It was always going to be Benzema.
Loser: Pep Guardiola's Champions League Legacy
Yes, Pep Guardiola has won the UCL twice. He's undoubtedly one of the game's iconic managers.
But he last did so in the 2010-11 season with Barcelona and since then has watched some truly talented clubs bottle excellent opportunities.
Another #ChampionsLeague collapse for Manchester City, this one the worst of the lot. A late game meltdown that defies explanation. A heavy burden for Pep, who was outmaneuvered by Ancelotti.
— Maximiliano Bretos (@MaxBretosSports) May 4, 2022
What a game. Guardiola and City will start to feel there's a curse on them on them in the Champions League. But you just can't blow a match-winning lead in stoppage time
Manchester City go out to Real Madrid - but Pep Guardiola will be staggered with how his side have thrown away their place in the final. To concede two goals in injury time is unacceptable.
Real Madrid vs Liverpool in the final is a fascinating clash.
There is nothing more delightfully hilarious than watching Pep Guardiola and Manchester City concoct increasingly ridiculous ways to not win the Champions League.#RMAMCI
City, with as good a roster as money can buy, never got past the UCL quarterfinals in Guardiola's first four seasons on the job. Then it reached the final last season, only to lose to rival Chelsea. And now, with plane tickets to Paris all but purchased and hotel rooms booked, City inexplicably watched its lead evaporate in a minute.
Today marks the first time that Manchester City concedes multiple goals in the 90th minute or later in a match under Pep Guardiola.
And in the process, Guardiola's legacy took another hit, as City still seeks its first-ever UCL title.
Winner: Real Madrid's Unrelenting and Inevitable Magic
There is just something special about this Real Madrid side. There is something in the air at the Santiago Bernabeu. Remember, Manchester City was completely in control of this tie.
When you take City's propensity for blowing its UCL chances with Real Madrid's habit of magically surviving despite all odds being against them, well, Wednesday's result almost isn't surprising in hindsight.
It sure was brilliant in the moment, though.
Loser: Ruben Dias
So many people could be picked out for City. The defense notably melted down in the waning moments of this game.
But despite City giving up a two-goal lead in the blink of an eye, it still had a chance to win in extra time or force penalties. Instead, a sloppy challenge from Ruben Dias sent Benzema to the penalty spot, and the rest is history.
Now people will realise why CBs shouldn’t fling themselves to ground too often when it’s unnecessary. Dias was punished in the Euros for that & he’s now been punished in a CL semi-final. Those type of CBs are not the best pure defenders in the world.
That made Dias the most logical option for the second loser spot. But go up and down City's roster and you'll find other players deserving as well. Players who didn't mark Rodrygo in the final moments or left golden scoring chances wanting.
They just didn't make the mistake that ended it. That distinction belongs to Dias.
Champions League Final 2022: Date, Venue, Predictions for Liverpool vs. Real Madrid
May 4, 2022
VILLARREAL, SPAIN - MAY 03: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Mohamed Salah of Liverpool showing his appreciation to the fans at the end of the UEFA Champions League Semi Final Leg Two match between Villarreal and Liverpool at Estadio de la Ceramica on May 03, 2022 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Real Madrid's sensational and mystifying Champions League run will continue after they defeated Manchester City 6-5 via aggregate in the semifinals Wednesday.
They will now meet Liverpool at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, France, which will host the Champions League Final at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 28.
On paper, Liverpool is the better club, but Real Madrid appears to be a team of destiny after living on the edge for the entire knockout round and somehow surviving.
Real Madrid was down 2-0 to PSG in the 61st minute of the round of 16's second leg before Karim Benzema scored a hat trick within an 18-minute span for the 3-2 aggregate win.
Real Madrid then won its first leg over Chelsea 3-1 before allowing three straight goals in the second leg. Undeterred, Rodrygo scored the equalizer in the 80th minute before Benzema added the game-winner in extra time for the 5-4 aggregate victory.
On Wednesday, Real Madrid found itself down 5-3 right before stoppage time before Rodrygo scored twice in back-to-back minutes to level the score at five. Benzema converted a penalty five minutes into extra time, and that was enough to send Real Madrid through.
Benzema has now scored 10 of Real Madrid's goals in six knockout matches. No one in the world is playing better than him right now, and his magic apparently keeps Real Madrid in any match even if hope appears lost. It helps to have Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior in the mix as well, and that trio will be a significant problem for Liverpool.
Speaking of which, Liverpool arrived at its third Champions League final appearance in five years after taking down Villareal 5-2 via aggregate following three second-half goals in the second leg of that matchup Tuesday.
Liverpool is shooting for the quadruple (winning the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Champions League in a single season). The Reds have also lost only once this calendar year after falling 1-0 to Inter Milan in March, but that was in the second leg of the Champions League's quarterfinals. They won 2-1 on aggregate.
Therefore, the last time Liverpool walked off a pitch as a loser was Dec. 28, when the Reds fell 1-0 to Leicester City in the Premier League. Liverpool has played 29 matches since then.
Sure, Liverpool looked shaky in the first half of the semifinal's second leg, when Villareal scored two goals to knot the aggregate at two apiece. But the club stormed out of the halftime locker room with a vengeance and scored three in the second half, showcasing its best effort.
Mohamed Salah has scored eight times in 12 Champions League matches. Tremendous depth exists behind him in Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota and Fabinho. Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold provide tremendous help on the wings.
And then there's manager Jurgen Klopp, whose tremendous turnaround of Liverpool has made him a legend.
On paper, Liverpool is the better team, but Real Madrid simply always finds a way. In the end, all signs point to a tremendous finish to one of the most exciting Champions League knockout rounds in history. The guess here is Liverpool wins a classic, 3-2.
Real Madrid's Epic Rally Stuns Manchester City; Will Face Liverpool in UCL Final
May 4, 2022
Real Madrid's French forward Karim Benzema celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg football match between Real Madrid CF and Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on May 4, 2022. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP) (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)
Real Madrid stunned Manchester City on Wednesday night at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid to earn a place in the Champions League final.
The Spanish giant won 3-1 in extra time to claim a 6-5 aggregate victory in the semifinals.
Karim Benzema delivered the decisive blow from the penalty spot in the 95th minute. Ruben Dias brought the French striker down in the box, and Benzema wasn't going to let a golden opportunity go to waste.
It was a spectacular collapse from Manchester City, which held a two-goal lead going into the 90th minute. The club has experienced plenty of bitter defeats on the European stage under manager Pep Guardiola, but this might yet be the toughest pill to swallow.
Today marks the first time that Manchester City concedes multiple goals in the 90th minute or later in a match under Pep Guardiola.
Although Manchester City leads Liverpool by one point in the Premier League, this might be considered an underwhelming season since the wait for a European triumph goes on for another year.
The two clubs combined for perhaps the most dramatic match of the knockout stages in the first leg. City walked away a 4-3 victor, with Benzema capping off the scoring in the 82nd minute to give Real Madrid some hope heading into the second leg.
Especially with no away-goals rule, the tie was finely poised. Between playing at home and having the most in-form striker in the world, some might have argued coming in Madrid was in a slightly advantageous position.
"There's a really good atmosphere in the dressing room and we’re really looking forward to the game," star midfielder Luka Modric said. "... We're confident in our ability to turn the tie around. We weren't at our best in the first leg, but still managed to score three goals."
Those hoping for fireworks Wednesday on par with the first leg were likely disappointed early on.
Bernardo Silva had a goal-scoring chance from close range in the 20th minute, but Thibaut Courtois reacted quickly to make the save.
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 4, 2022
Benzema's attempt was off the mark in the 43rd minute, and the French forward was ruled offside anyway.
The performance of Kyle Walker was a big reason Manchester City maintained a clean sheet in the first half. Vinicius Jr. terrorized the left flank in the first leg and scored one of Madrid's goals in that fixture. Thanks to the efforts of Walker, the Brazilian winger registered little impact this time around.
0 - Vinícius Júnior didn't complete any of his four take-on attempts in the first half (0/4), while Kyle Walker made more tackles than any other player (3). Guardian. pic.twitter.com/PpN9h2xYtA
Neither Manchester City nor Real Madrid appeared to be willing to take too many risks, which wasn't totally unexpected in the case of City given its aggregate lead. What the match lacked in end-to-end action, it had in terms of drama with the chess match between Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti.
At that enthralling stage where both could reasonably claim they have the other where they want them. City have slowed it down to the point there’s none of the chaos necessary for Madrid comebacks. But that pace doesn’t completely suit City, leaving them susceptible to one moment
City's patience finally paid off in the 73rd minute. Silva got the ball on the edge of the center circle and had acres of space ahead of him. The Portuguese winger bore down on the Madrid goal before laying a pass off to Riyad Mahrez. The Algerian international hammered a shot into the near post and past Courtois.
Just as the match was inching toward an anticlimactic conclusion, Rodrygo got a goal back for Real Madrid in the 90th minute. The Bernabeu suddenly came to life as the supporters attempted to push the home side over the finish line.
In a matter of moments after he found the back of the net, Rodrygo once again rose to the occasion—quite literally. Marco Asensio fired a cross into the box that was headed in by the Brazilian in the first minute of injury time.
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 4, 2022
As much as there was an immediate sense of inevitability to Rodrygo's second goal, that carried over to extra time. Real Madrid simply wasn't going to throw this away.
Having gotten so close to the final and watched it slip away, Manchester City's players had little time to recover mentally before extra time. Guardiola had also subbed off Kevin De Bruyne for Ilkay Gundogan in the 72nd minute. That left City without its best playmaker when it badly needed a goal.
Fernandinho was only fractionally wide of the target when he got on the end of a header by Phil Foden. Courtois made a diving save, which left Fernandinho with a difficult finish.
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 4, 2022
That proved to be City's best shot at forcing a penalty shootout.
For Real Madrid, Liverpool now awaits in the Champions League final on May 28 at Stade de France outside Paris.
The match will provide the Reds with an opportunity to avenge their loss to Madrid in the 2018 final. Los Blancos, meanwhile, can lift the European Cup for the 14th time, which would be double the next closest club, AC Milan.
Top Winners and Losers After Tuesday's Champions League Semifinals Leg 1 Results
Apr 26, 2022
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - 26 April: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final Leg One match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at City of Manchester Stadium on April 26, 2022 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jose Hernandez/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Just another banger in this year's UEFA Champions League. Were you expecting anything less?
Manchester City topped Real Madrid 4-3 in Tuesday's semifinal between the clubs, an open and exciting affair that somehow left a few goals on the pitch, if you can believe that. And it was just the first leg. Expect even more fireworks when the tie heads back to Madrid.
What a fantastic game at the highest of levels. Two managers, two teams that have “gone for it”. You don’t often get it like that but we have. @realmadriden@ManCity 🤌🏼💪🏼 #UCL
Below, we'll break down the day's winners and losers. And then we'll take a moment to catch our collective breaths.
Winner: City's Relentless Attack
The Sky Blues just carved Madrid apart, as they do to most teams that attempt to play an open game against them. It only took under two minutes for Kevin De Bruyne to get the home team on the board.
THE PASS FROM MAHREZ. THE FINISH FROM KDB. 95 seconds in, Manchester City score the fastest goal in a #UCL semi-final. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/sTCu9KzhDF
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 26, 2022
Los Blancos are still kicking, but it isn't because of the defensive effort.
Winner: the Individual Brilliance of Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior
Every single week there is one constant—Karim Benzema finds himself in the winner's section of these articles.
So it's no surprise to see him here yet again, as an absolute sublime redirection led to Real Madrid's first goal and his icicle-veined Panenka on a penalty earned Los Blancos their third goal:
KING KARIM SCORES HIS 40TH GOAL OF THE SEASON ON HIS 600TH REAL APPEARANCE. 👑 pic.twitter.com/lii5qWEPLg
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 26, 2022
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 26, 2022
Imagining missing three of your last four penalties and then doing a Panenka at 4-2 down away at City in the Champions League semi final first leg! You are from another planet @Benzema!
Sandwiched between the Frenchman's brilliance was Vinicius Junior, with a turn on makeshift right back Fernandinho so brilliant it made the City man look like he was fighting for his life in quicksand. Of course, Vini wasn't done there, racing into space before slotting home a lovely finish.
Real Madrid is lucky to head home down just a goal in this matchup. Brilliance from its attacking pair has kept the club afloat.
Loser: City's Chances to Bury Madrid
Poor Riyad Mahrez.
The City winger probably left three goals on the table in this one, missing an obvious cross to an open teammate on the attack, hitting the post on another attempt and narrowly missing a tight angle on a third attacking play.
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 26, 2022
But there was Aymeric Laporte's handball. City failing to have anyone in position to track Vinicius on the counter. Fernandinho having to moonlight at right back after John Stones had to come off injured.
It felt like classic City in the Pep Guardiola era—Champions League glory right in front of the Sky Blues but somehow wanting to slip out of their grasp.
It feels like this is the last decade of Champions League distilled.
There have been so many knock-out ties when a Guardiola team should be out of sight, and Madrid should be demolished - but they both stay in the balance...
Man City are becoming involved in too many great games for their own good. Liverpool twice and now Real. They should be out of sight against Real, but they keep conceding chances and goals
The rare "win you feel absolutely awful about" for Man City, while Real Madrid will feel delighted despite being completely outplayed from start to finish
Perhaps they'll handle business in Madrid. But even on a day when they scored four goals, this felt like a missed opportunity.
Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City Beat Real Madrid in Thrilling UCL Semifinal 1st Leg
Apr 26, 2022
MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM - APRIL 26: Bernardo Silva of Manchester City celebrates 4-2 with Phil Foden of Manchester City during the UEFA Champions League match between Manchester City v Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium on April 26, 2022 in Manchester United Kingdom (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Manchester City drew first blood in the Champions League semifinal against Real Madrid, coming away a 4-3 winner in the first leg Tuesday at Etihad Stadium.
Bernardo Silva appeared to cap off the attacking frenzy in the 74th minute. The Portuguese star created something from nothing when he gathered the ball on the edge of the 18-yard box, took a few touches and launched a shot into the top corner.
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 26, 2022
That wasn't the last twist in the drama, though, as Aymeric Laporte was whistled for a handball in the box to gift Real Madrid a penalty.
In the club's 3-1 win over Osasuna last Wednesday, Karim Benzema missed a pair of penalty kicks, but that wasn't going to keep him from being the player to step up to the spot in the 82nd minute.
Benzema was the epitome of self-confidence as he opted for a Panenka to once again bring Madrid to within a goal.
Depending on how the second leg unfolds, that goal didn't change the outcome in the first leg but could carry massive implications for the semifinal as a whole.
Manchester City survived a nervy quarterfinal tilt with Atletico Madrid. Kevin De Bruyne scored in the 70th minute in the first leg, and that was the only goal across the two fixtures.
Between City's hard-fought aggregate victory over Atletico and FA Cup semifinal loss to Liverpool, it seemed fair to wonder whether the reigning Premier League champion is slowly losing steam.
That notion was well wide of the mark Tuesday night, as City blitzed Madrid for two goals within the first 11 minutes.
Only 93 seconds elapsed when De Bruyne headed in the opener. The Belgian then found Gabriel Jesus in the box before the Manchester City forward executed a deft turn around David Alaba and slid home the club's second.
93 SECONDS
Kevin De Bruyne scores the fastest goal in Champions League semifinal history ⚡
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 26, 2022
Manchester City looked like a threat to score every time it had the ball in the Madrid half across the first third of the match. After a low shot from Phil Foden rolled just wide, a third goal felt inevitable. A few minutes before that, Riyad Mahrez hit a shot into the side netting instead of passing across to Foden for what would've been an easier finish.
The extremely loud Radio Marca commentators just behind us have described Madrid's backline as "una defensa de mantequilla".
But Benzema continues to operate as something of a cheat code for Real Madrid. Against the run of play, the French striker volleyed home a cross from Ferland Mendy in the 33rd minute.
KING KARIM SCORES HIS 40TH GOAL OF THE SEASON ON HIS 600TH REAL APPEARANCE. 👑 pic.twitter.com/lii5qWEPLg
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 26, 2022
Karim Benzema has scored 13 goals in the Champions League this season from an xG of 3.54! 😳 How?!?!?!? This is incredible. That’s why he is Kariiiiim the Dream!
Mahrez's finishing betrayed him again in the 48th minute. His left-footed effort caromed off the far post, and Dani Carvajal cleared away Foden's follow-up.
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 26, 2022
Foden powered a header past Thibaut Courtois in the 53rd minute to put City supporters at ease, but their respite was brief as Madrid responded almost immediately.
Vinicius Junior left Brazilian compatriot Fernandinho in his dust and made a blistering run down the left flank. Before any City players could converge on the Real Madrid winger, he slotted the ball into the far post to make it a 3-2 game.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will be happy to come away with the win but only to a certain degree. Were it not for some poor finishing, his club would carry much more than a one-goal lead into the return fixture.
Such a slim margin doesn't offer much security against Real Madrid when Benzema is in the form that he's enjoying, either.
The teams will head to the Santiago Bernabeu for the return leg on May 4.
