Real Madrid vs Man City Live: Full first half details & Stats as City go 2-1 up through | OneFootball

LIVE

Madrid rocked after fast start

Real Madrid vs Man City Live: Full first half details & Stats as City go 2-1 up through

The first half at the Santiago Bernabeu delivered everything Champions League blockbuster promises.

Manchester City head into the break with 2-1 advantage over Real Madrid in matchday 6 after breathless opening 45 minut filled with intensity, controversy and clinical finishing.

Real Madrid began with ferocious energy but Pep Guardiola’s men weathered the early storm before turning the scoreline on its head with two goals late in the half.

Madrid start fast

The match exploded into life within minutes. In the 3rd minute, Vinicius Junior went down inside the area sparking loud penalty appeals but VAR confirmed the foul occurred just outside the box.

Madrid kept pushing with Valverde testing the keeper from distance and Carreras whipping in pressure from the left showcasing Xabi Alonso’s aggressive start.

City, however showed early nerves.

Phil Foden received the first yellow card of the match in the 11 minute after late challenge on Rodrygo.

Rodrygo breaks the deadlock

Real Madrid’s dominance finally translated into goal in the 28th minute.

High pressing from the hosts forced turnover in the final third. Jude Bellingham picked up possession between the lines and threaded perfectly weighted through ball to Rodrygo.

The Brazilian cut inside from the right and curled a low slicing finish into the far corner.

The goal capped strong half for Rodrygo who had already created two chance for Vinicius including dangerous cross in the 7th minute.

Madrid’s lead didn’t last long. In the 35th minute Manchester City equalised through well worked corner.

Rayan Cherki’s delivery found Josko Gvardiol rising highest for powerful header. Courtois saved the initial attempt but Nico O’Reilly charging from deep , smashed home the rebound to silence the stadium.

The goal shifted the momentum firmly toward City who began to dominate possession & break Madrid’s pressing shape.

The decisive moment of the half arrived in the 40 minute. Antonio Rudiger brought down Erling Haaland inside the box after lengthy VAR review.

The German centre back received yellow card & City were awarded penalty.

In the 43 minute, Haaland stepped up and struck clinical left footed finish into the right corner putting City 2-1 ahead before the interval.

City nearly added third in stoppage time, Haaland forced another sharp save from Courtois, Cherki tested the keeper again from the right channel, Madrid were on the ropes as the whistle arrived.

Stats: City Control possession & Madrid more dangerous early

Possession:

Shots:

Corners:

Standout players (First Half)