The semi-final first leg of the Champions League between Manchester City and Real Madrid (4:3) lived up to all expectations. After the offensive spectacle, the international press was over the moon. An overview:
kicker: “Cheeky Benzema keeps Madrid in the running – seven-goal spectacle: ManCity beats Real in the first leg of the semifinals. The first leg of the Champions League semifinals between Manchester City and Real Madrid was a real celebration of football – with the better end for the home side 4: 3 highlights were offered en masse.”
Picture: “What a wonderful game! Double Benzema annoys Blitztor-Pep. Waaasss for a spectacle. A game like a good boxing match! 4: 3 in the Champions League between Manchester City and Real Madrid.”
RTL: “City vs. Real blows your mind – a spectacle to fall in love with. A game for the history books: Rarely has a Champions League semi-final been as enthralling as Manchester City’s spectacular 4: 3 against Real Madrid. The duel between the two Europeans Top teams provided everything you need for a magical night of football and proves that the Champions League can be so beautiful.”
ntv: “City presents Real in a wild seven-goal show. The semi-final first leg between Manchester City and Real Madrid is a nightmare for fans of solid defensive work. The Citizens miss it in their own stadium, a big step towards Champions League to make the final. Karim Benzema makes sure Real Madrid keep their chances.”
The Sun: “Crazy world! Terrific City wins game that immediately becomes a classic – but late Benzema brilliance gives Spaniards hopes for the final. Tear up the tactics manual, throw down the whiteboard, throw away the laptop with the data analyzes – and just give us more of it , You’re welcome.”
Mirrors: “Electrifying Etihad! Man City beat Real Madrid in seven-goal Champions League thriller despite next Benzema magic”
BBC: “Manchester City will travel to the Bernabeu with a razor-thin lead in the Champions League semi-finals after beating Real Madrid in the first leg at the Etihad Stadium by seven goals. City put on a great performance, rushing towards Real’s goal from long distances , but Carlo Ancelotti’s team was always able to get back up and keep the chance of another final.”
DailyMail: “Manchester City win seven-goal thriller against Real Madrid in Champions League semifinals – with Karim Benzema’s plucky Panenka keeping the clash open ahead of the second leg”
The Guardians: “Foden excels on the big stage but Real Madrid are undefeated. Manchester City could have brought the visitors down in the first hour but Karim Benzema’s Panenka ensured the return to the Bernabéu.”
AS: “No one kills Madrid! Madrid in immortal mode brings the duel home alive after a great encounter and no defense. City unleashing in attack and fragile in the back.
Brand: “Benzema keeps Madrid alive. Two goals from Karim and another great one from Vinicius keep the chance to go through after City twice led by two goals. Horror evening for Ancelotti’s defence.”
Mundo Deportivo: “City pardons Real Madrid, who leave Manchester alive. Real Madrid have once again performed a miracle in the Champions League. Manchester City could have beaten Real, but at the Bernabéu just one goal will be enough. Real Madrid are having a bad game delivered, but they get out of Manchester alive and that’s what Ancelotti wanted for this first semi-final.”
El Pais: “City took the advantage in a fast-paced game against Madrid. The Spanish team, kings of the competition, held on thanks to a huge Benzema and narrowly lost.”
Sports: “Madrid does it again and leaves the Etihad more than alive.”