Manchester City confirmed their status as prime contenders to retain the Champions League with a resilient performance at a raucous Bernabeu, securing a 3-3 draw against Real Madrid. Phil Foden scored a superb equaliser as City came from behind twice in a contest featuring three outstanding goals.
Bernardo Silva gave City an early lead within two minutes, catching out reserve goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. However, Real Madrid struck back with two deflected efforts: Eduardo Camavinga's shot off Ruben Dias and Rodrygo's strike off Manuel Akanji, leaving City 2-1 down after 13 minutes.
City struggled to regain control but managed to stay in the contest until half-time. After the interval, Foden moved wide and then central to replicate Kevin De Bruyne's equaliser from last year's semi-final, lashing in a superb goal to make it 2-2. Despite Rodri having a poor game, City showed resilience.
The result keeps the tie finely balanced ahead of the second leg at the Etihad. City were without injured Nathan Ake and Kyle Walker, while De Bruyne fell ill on the day of the match. The atmosphere was heightened by Real Madrid fans wearing white and the stadium roof closed at their request.
