Manchester City Fight Back to Draw 3-3 With Real Madrid
Thrilling Champions League Semi-Final First Leg Ends in Dramatic Fashion
Phillips Scores Twice to Equalize Benzema's Hat-trick
Manchester City came from behind twice to earn a thrilling 3-3 draw against Real Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final clash on Tuesday. Karim Benzema gave the hosts an early lead, but Phil Foden equalized before the break. The French striker restored Madrid's advantage with two more goals after the interval, but Foden and Kevin De Bruyne scored late to earn City a valuable draw.
City came out firing in the second period and took the lead following a brace of brilliant strikes from Phil Foden. The first came on 53 minutes, with the young winger cutting inside from the left and firing a low shot into the bottom corner. Just three minutes later, Foden doubled his tally with a stunning effort from outside the box, leaving Thibaut Courtois helpless.
Madrid responded through Karim Benzema, who completed his hat-trick with goals in the 70th and 76th minutes. However, City refused to give up and pulled level thanks to De Bruyne's header in the 89th minute. The Belgian midfielder met Riyad Mahrez's cross at the near post and powered a header past Courtois.
The draw leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg at the Etihad Stadium on 4 May. City will need to win by at least one goal to reach the final, while Madrid will be confident of progressing with a draw or victory.
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