The ball was there to hit and how Kevin De Bruyne hit it. It was midway through the second half, Manchester City were behind to Vinícius Júnior’s sumptuous 36th-minute blast and the feeling was starting to take hold that Real Madrid had this Champions League semi-final, first leg under control.
For City, the demons circled at the venue where it had gone so horribly wrong in the second leg of last season’s semi-final; the collapse at the end of normal time, two goals shipped after the 90th minute, then Madrid’s extra-time winner.
De Bruyne cut through it all when he sliced through the ball from 25 yards out, centrally placed after Ilkay Gündogan’s lay-off and, boy, did it fizz. It was always likely to take something special to beat Thibaut Courtois. This was it. Whatever Vinícius could do, so could De Bruyne.
Nothing would be settled here, everybody knew that. But at full-time, it was difficult to ignore the impression that City were the happier with the draw ahead of next Wednesday’s second leg. Is the Holy Grail edging nearer? Karim Benzema and Aurélien Tchouaméni would extend Ederson towards the end – the latter with yet another vicious drive – but they could not find a winner.
Pep Guardiola had avoided any public acknowledgement of the impact of the tie here last season but it was not to say that his mind was free of it. Or that he had not addressed the subject in private with his players. It was plainly a part of it, Rodri admitting on Monday that he was driven to avenge the heartbreak.
It felt like the ultimate psychological test, Madrid bringing the usual sense of theatre, too. No club does these kind of nights quite like them, certainly in terms of grandness, the projection of who they are, the self-assurance. There had been typical understatement in the giant pre-match tifo. “El Rey y Su Copa” read the lettering on either side of an image of a viking royal, his hands on the European Cup; the number 14 prominent. “The king and his cup.”
City wanted to hog possession and dictate the tempo, to pen Madrid back, and Guardiola had to be pleased at how his team settled, all easy confidence on the ball, probing this way and that, establishing their passing rhythms.
It felt as if Madrid were happy enough with the arrangement, Carlo Ancelotti believing that his team could sting on the counterattack. What was noticeable at the outset was how little pressure Madrid put on the ball. City were able to play and they had sightings of goal in the first 16 minutes. Courtois was forced to make four saves, albeit none that overly stretched him.
The best was a push-around-the-post to keep out a low Rodri drive on 14 minutes. Erling Haaland’s opening moments later was the clearest, De Bruyne ushering him up the inside left. The angle was not favourable. Haaland dragged straight at Courtois. He would also thump a header at the goalkeeper. De Bruyne had been the first City player to test him.
Madrid waited. They processed the City patterns and they wondered how their opponents were going to get into the areas to really hurt them. Madrid felt their way into the first half, coming to flicker. Rodrygo overhit a pass up the channel for Benzema’s run; Vinícius’s dangerous cross was cleared by Rúben Dias; Benzema almost wriggled free onto a Federico Valverde ball.
The breakthrough was a mixture of beauty and brutality, the former provided by Luka Modric’s outside-of-the-boot return flick to Eduardo Camavinga deep on the Madrid left, which got the latter moving. When he found Vinícius, the forward allowed the ball to run under his studs, taking Gündogan out of the action, moving from left to right, centrally placed.
Vinícius’s body shape was perfect, so was his awareness of what was around him. Now came the power. The shot from the edge of the box was aimed towards Ederson’s right-hand post and it positively ripped past him.
City felt a bit of rough stuff before the interval, Dani Carvajal barging Jack Grealish into the advertising boards; Toni Kroos booked for a bad tackle on Gündogan. Grealish reacted to Carvajal, pushing a hand up at him to draw a shameful over-reaction from the full-back. The referee, Artur Dias, did not buy it.
City had to keep their composure because the tie was exactly where Madrid wanted it. Balance was key for Guardiola. He dared not overcommit in the second half because Madrid’s threat on the break was clear. Vinícius shimmered with menace.
What did City have? Haaland almost got away on to a Gündogan pass in the 56th minute only for David Alaba to move across and make a fine block tackle. Antonio Rüdiger celebrated it like a goal. City could not take their eyes off Benzema, who had gone close after the restart and, with the second half at its midway point, Madrid had a swagger in their step.
But back came City, back came De Bruyne. The equaliser was sparked when Rodri stepped up to intercept Camavinga’s risky pass out of defence, intended for Rodrygo and, when City worked it for De Bruyne, his blast rocked the Bernabéu.
Hello, i think that i noticed you visited my weblog thus i got here to return the want?.I am trying to to find
things to improve my website!I assume its good enough to
make use of a few of your ideas!!
Look at my blog :: http://buy-backlinks.rozblog.com/
кредит мигом
Magnificent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your website, how could i subscribe for
a blog web site? The account helped me a acceptable deal.
I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided
bright clear concept
Here is my web page: خرید بک لینک قوی
657679 498994You completed certain very good points there. I did looking on the topic matter and identified most persons will go together along with your weblog 645298
… [Trackback]
[…] Read More here: hatehub.co.uk/de-bruyne-rocket-rips-through-real-madrid-and-fires-manchester-city-belief-champions-league/ […]
https://speletajiem.com/
https://casino-latvia.com/
https://casinolt.com/
https://online-casino.ee/
https://cazinoro.com/
https://www1.polskakasyno.com/
https://24kasino.com/
https://kasinoslovenske.com/
https://casinos-slovenia.com/
https://magyarcasinos.com/
https://casino-hrvatska.com/
https://casinosespanol.com/
https://casinos247.nl/
https://topcasinos.mx/
https://playcanadiancasinos.com/
https://playcanadiancasinos.com/
https://sacasinos.co.za/
https://cassinos24.com.br/
https://portugal-casinos.com.pt/
https://playnzcasinos.com/
Download our: app, apps cracked
Here is my homepage – GAMBLING PBN NETWORK
I really like what you guys are up too. This type
of clever work and coverage! Keep up the great works guys I’ve
added you guys to our blogroll.
My web-site; خرید بک لینک قوی
continuously i used to read smaller articles that as well clear their motive,
and that is also happening with this post which I
am reading here.
Feel free to surf to my blog w88
I was more than happy to uncover this website. I want to
to thank you for ones time just for this fantastic read!!
I definitely really liked every little bit of it and
I have you bookmarked to look at new information in your blog.
Here is my blog post … nha cai fun88
Hi, Neat post. There’s an issue together with your site in web explorer,
would check this? IE still is the market chief and a big component to folks will omit your
great writing because of this problem.
Feel free to visit my blog … w88
The menus for each game are interactive, i.e., users control Fancy Pants Man through themselves exactly like in-game
levels. Having written for websites and magazines since
2000, producing a wide range of reviews, guides, tutorials,
brochures, newsletters and more, she continues to write for diverse audiences, from computing
newbies to advanced users and business clients.
However, like BlueStack this is really the purpose of GameLoop – the title gives it away – so if you are looking to use mobile apps for business and office, then this
most likely is not the best platform for you. Sign up to the TechRadar Pro
newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs
to succeed! Talk about a game that never seems to get old.
To get the best performance, it is recommended that you
enable virtualization for your CPU. We assessed their performance, system requirements, and account login process.
You’ll want to evaluate the emulator’s ease of use, interface, performance, and pricing.
Feel free to visit my homepage Telegra.ph
Wow, fantastic blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is wonderful,
let alone the content!
Stop by my homepage minimum car insurance
I’m extremely impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your weblog.
Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself?
Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one today. https://Forum.gg-gamer.net/profile.php?id=591673
Krasinski’s milked this franchise and its gimmicks to give us
with his two most effective showings driving the digital camera, but
he-like its people-desires to improve over and above it, or else
be trapped as its returns at last disappear totally.
my website … Indian Sex Sites
I’m amazed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s equally educative and amusing, and without
a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head.
The issue is something not enough folks are speaking intelligently about.
I am very happy that I came across this in my hunt for something concerning this.
Here is my web-site buy-backlinks.rozblog.com
Usually I don’t read post on blogs, however I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do it!
Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thank
you, very nice article.
my blog – fashion shop at sunway pyramid
wonderful points altogether, you simply gained a brand new reader.
What may you suggest about your submit that you just made a few days ago?
Any positive?
my blog el señor de los cielos 8 capitulo 4
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement
account it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from you!
However, how can we communicate?
Visit my web page: website da pa
Essay writing solutions offer you with accessibility to a
swimming pool of gifted and also knowledgeable writers who specialize in numerous academic fields.
Whether you need a intricate research paper or a basic essay,
these professionals have the understanding as well as skills to supply premium material tailored to your needs.
You can feel confident that your academic tasks remain in the
hands of professionals that know just how to craft compelling and also well-researched papers.
Feel free to surf to my blog post student resume examples (Alexander)
строительство домов под ключ лучшие компании
Hello there! I simply want to offer you a huge thumbs up for your great
information you’ve got right here on this post.
I am returning to your site for more soon.
Also visit my homepage – Jokervip123 login (seoulbae.com)
Essay writing solutions offer you with access to a pool of skilled as well as skilled writers who concentrate
on different academic areas. Whether you need a intricate research paper
or a easy essay, these professionals have the knowledge and also abilities to deliver
high-grade material customized to your requirements.
You can feel confident that your scholastic jobs remain in the hands of specialists who know exactly
how to craft compelling and also well-researched
documents.
my web-site: architect resume, https://www.solidsmack.com/knowledge/using-an-essay-writing-service-other-habits-that-will-make-essay-writing-easy/,
Essay writing solutions provide you with access to a swimming pool of skilled and also seasoned authors
that focus on numerous academic fields. Whether you need
a complicated research paper or a simple essay, these experts have the knowledge and
abilities to supply top quality web content tailored
to your demands. You can feel confident that your
scholastic jobs are in the hands of experts who recognize just how to craft engaging
and also well-researched documents.
My homepage … resume work experience (hearthstats.net)
1хбет бонусы при регистрации 2019
What i do not realize is if truth be told how you’re now not really a lot
more smartly-favored than you might be now. You’re
very intelligent. You realize therefore considerably with regards
to this subject, produced me personally consider it from
so many numerous angles. Its like women and men are not
interested until it’s something to do with Lady gaga!
Your individual stuffs nice. Always deal with it up!
Feel free to visit my webpage Jokervip123 login
Mobile phone repair shop Birsbane – Gadget Kings PRS phones & MacBook services
Shop 4/28 Elizabeth St
Acacia Ridge QLD 4110
Australia
+61433660451
phone display repair near me
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d most certainly donate to this brilliant blog!
I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
I look forward to new updates and will share this website with my Facebook group.
Talk soon!
my web site; koydenhaber
Spot on with this write-up, I seriously think this site needs a great deal more attention. I’ll
probably be back again to read more, thanks for the advice!
Also visit my website: nuke gaming slot (microschihuas.com)
Mɑгvelous, what a bⅼog it is! This weblog provides helpful data to us, keep it up.
my page; fashion shop boutique
I all the time emailed this web site post page to all
my contacts, for the reason that if like to
read it then my contacts will too.
Feel free to surf to my homepage: Blogoneros
You’ve made some really good points there.
I looked on the net for more info about the issue and found most people will go along with your
views on this site.
My homepage: fashion shop color line
постройка дома на заказ
слоты играть онлайн
I enjoy reading a post that can make men and women think. Also, many thanks for allowing me to comment!https://map.google.ht/url?q=https://cleansway.com/united-states/yorba-linda/business/ocrv-fleet-services-commercial-truck-collision-repair-paint-shop
Howdy! This post couldn’t be written any better!
Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate!
He always kept talking about this. I will forward this post to him.
Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!ダッチワイフ
Here is my blog post; ラブドール
Hello! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay.I’m undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.
натяжные потолки в москве
Thank you for great article. Hello Administ . Cami Halısı ve Cami Halıları Firmasi. cami halısı
Wow, incredible blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?you make blogging look easy. The overall look ofyour web site is excellent, let alone the content!
Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Many thanks, However
I am encountering troubles with your RSS. I don’t understand why I cannot
subscribe to it. Is there anyone else getting similar RSS issues?
Anyone that knows the solution will you kindly respond? Thanks!!セクシー ランジェリー
бонусы 1xbet промокод на сегодня
Trading cryptocurrencies is a lucrative opportunity for many.
While crypto trading is profitable, it can be highly pernicious to the traders if not done properly.
By proper means, one should do it with the right set
of tools and the right mindset. Time waits for no one and the
crypto exchage market is no exception. A plethora of cryptocurrencies, advanced tools,
market volatility, and trading strategies may all cause confusion to the new as
well as expert traders.
Fortunately, technology has made it possible for the traders to automate the exchage process including market analysis, order execution, predicting
market trends, and more. Automated crypto trading is
one of the best practices used by computer programs/trading bots to buy and
sell cryptocurrencies. These software tools are intended to react
to market changes to trade at the right moment.
Traders can consider automate trading via the best crypto exchage platforms by making
use of trading bots, advanced orders, and more.
Automated trading
So, automated trading is a method of participating in crypto or stock markets by using a program that executes pre-set rules for entering and exiting trades.
As the trader, you will combine thorough technical analysis with setting parameters for your positions, such
as orders to open, trailing stops, trailing stop loss orders, take profit, etc.
Automated trading methods enable you to carry out many or multiple trades in a small amount of time,
with the added benefit of taking the emotion out of your decisions.
That’s because all the rules of the trade are already built into the preset parameters.
With some algorithms, the traders can even use the pre-determined
strategies to follow trends and trade accordingly.
Automated crypto trading relies on algorithms which are actually the set of instructions used to solve computational issues.
In the crypto sphere, algorithms can trade
digital assets on behalf of the traders. And, the programs which use
algorithms to trade are the bots. The best platforms offer a variety
of bots to the traders which work based on preset conditions, signals,
market analysis, and more. Usually, trading bots use
APIs that help traders to interact with multiple exchanges.
Here is my page :: xanex