De Bruyne penalty secures historic win at the Bernabeu
UEFA Champions League
Wednesday 26 February 2020, 20.00 KO
City: Ederson, Walker, Otamendi, Laporte (Fernandinho 33), Mendy, Rodri, Gundogan, De Bruyne, B Silva (Sterling 73), Mahrez, Jesus
Unused: Bravo, Aguero, D Silva, Cancelo, Foden
Goals: Jesus (78), De Bruyne (83, pen)
Booked: Mendy
Referee: Daniele Orsato
Man of the match: De Bruyne
Manchester City emerged triumphant against Spanish giants Real Madrid in the Champions League round of 16 game played at the Santiago Bernanbeu stadium. The game had many close chances for both teams, with there being 25 attempts on goal in total and eleven on target. It was also close in terms of possession, with Madrid having 48% of the ball and City having 52%.
The first half turned out goalless with both sides having their chances, including a goal line clearance from veteran Madrid defender Sergio Ramos after a shot from Gabriel Jesus. Both goalkeepers, Ederson and Courtois, made smart saves.
It wasn’t until the second half of the match when the deadlock was broken by Real Madrid’s Isco. The Spanish international slotted the ball past Ederson to give Madrid the lead and deliver the first goal of the tie. Manchester City seemed to be having more possession after Isco's goal, creating more chances and were rewarded in the 78th minute City hit man Gabriel Jesus equalised with an on-point header to give the Blues a precious away goal.
After the goal, City continued to dominate and then in the 82nd minute Raheem Sterling was bought to the ground by Dani Carvajal to give the Citizens a crucial penalty. Kevin de Bruyne coolly slotted the ball past Courtois from the spot to give City the lead and two valuable away goals.
Shortly after, Sergio Ramos took down Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus and was shown the red card. This gave Manchester City a chance to make it 3-1 but Riyad Mahrez's free-kick was saved comfortably by Courtois.
In the final minutes of stoppage time Madrid threatened to counter but City's defence held firm. The final whistle blew and Pep Guardiola's side had recorded an historic victory in Madrid. Crucially, they now have two away goals to take back to the Etihad.