Man City: Hart; Sagna, Kompany, Otamendi, Clichy; Fernando, Fernandinho; Jesús Navas (Sterling 76’), De Bruyne, David Silva (Iheanacho 39’); Agüero. 4-2-3-1.
Madrid: Keylor Navas; Dani Carvajal, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo; Kroos (Isco 89‘), Casemiro, Modric; Bale, Benzema (Jesé 46‘), Lucas Vázquez. 4-3-3.
Goals: None.
A dour 0-0 draw between Manchester City and Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final, leaving everything to be decided in next Wednesday’s return match in the Bernabeu stadium. In the end Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t recover from the injury he picked up last week in time to play, and Benzema only lasted 45 minutes before he too limped off. City had their problems as well though, with Yayá Touré missing the match, and David Silva also having to be substituted late on in the first half. There were virtually no chances in a tense first half, only a header well over the bar from Otamendi and a wayward shot from Benzema. After the restart Aguero fired a long shot over the top, and Ramos testing Joe Hart with a header. But the best opportunities fell to the visitors later on, Jesé heading a Carvajal cross against the bar and Hart produced first class saves from Casemiro and Pepe following consecutive corners. Keylor Navas though didn’t have a real stop to make until he tipped a last minute De Bruyne free kick over the bar, and the final whistle went seconds later. Zidane’s side must now be favourites to go through, although after today’s result they have to win next week to do so.