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Apoorv Dwivedi
This week culminated in the Semifinals of the UEFA Champions League. As anticipated none of the four teams disappointed their fans, but sport can be cruel as there can only be one winner.
An England vs Spain battle has been the talking point among football fans. While the two Spanish teams travelled to England. Next week both English clubs will be raiding in Spain.
Match 1 Manchester City vs Real Madrid (4-3)
Real Madrid has played some of the most exciting matches this season. First, that fairytale comeback against PSG and then, holding off an aggressive Chelsea in the next round. The city opened scoring within 100 seconds of the match. Kevin de Bruyne headed a ball in Courtois’ net. Ten Minutes later he assisted an in-form Gabriel Jesus and took the score to 2-0.
In form, Karim Benzema scored a brace from his left foot. A beautiful cross from Ferland Mendy and Benzema wouldn’t miss it for the world.
The city’s defence was relatively weak as Kyle Walker was injured and Joao Cancelo suspended. John Stones wasn’t fit but played at Right Back. He had to be called back in the first half. Veteran Fernandinho was called in for replacement.
Vinicius jr. made full use of his pace and tricked Fernandinho, who isn’t known for pace. Vinicius tore through City’s defence on the counter and took the score to 3-2. Bernardo Silva scored a banger to increase the lead to 4-2.
A penalty was awarded to Madrid in the 82nd minute and Benzema scored a cold-blooded Paneka to settle the score at 4-3. Benzema had missed 3 out of his last 4 penalties.
Match 2 Liverpool vs Villarreal (2-0)
The capacity of Anfield Stadium is 60,000 and the population of Villarreal town is 50,000. Jurgen Klopp’s side was expected to rip apart the underdogs but Villarreal held on for dear life in the first half. They were visibly under pressure and goalie Rulli was constantly tested by Diaz, Mane and Salah.
The day went to Midfielder Thiago who was all over the place and held possession for Liverpool. A strike from Jordan Henderson deflected off Estupnian’s feet giving the hosts a 1-0 lead. Within two minutes Sadio Mane finished a beautiful pass from Salah to take the score 2-0.
The roar of Liverpool fans could be heard in the whole city. Yellow Submarine tried to attack in the latter half with their substitutes but its defence of Liverpool did not allow them in the box. Villarreal finished the match with a singles shot and that too wasn’t on target.
The second leg is to be played next week
Both City and Liverpool will look to increase their lead. Villarreal has a realistic chance to overcome the deficit, though it is going to be difficult. The city won’t have the luxury to park the bus as they did against Atletico Madrid. Real Madrid is one of the world’s best teams. They are expected to attack City with whatever they have when they lock horns at Santiago Bernabeu.