Jack Grealish is confident Manchester City can finish off Real Madrid when the two sides meet at the Etihad Stadium for the semi-final second leg of the Champions League.
Despite having nearly 70% of the first half’s possession, the visitors were down at the break.
De Bruyne, Rodri, and Haaland fired a barrage of shots at Thibaut Courtois early on as City dominated and Madrid sat back, absorbing the pressure.
Ten minutes before halftime, the hosts scored on a vicious counterattack as Eduardo Camavinga sprinted past Bernardo Silva, found space, and fed Vinicius.
In spite of Ederson’s helpless dive, the Brazilian arrowed a shot into the top left corner from almost 25 yards away. Madrid only attempted one shot in the opening period, but it was the most successful one.
“At the Etihad at the moment we feel unstoppable,” Grealish told BT Sport.
“We came here tonight to try and win, but I think it shows our character to go a goal down and come back. In the end it was a fair result.”
City have gone 21 games, across all competitions, without a loss.
However, Madrid was able to cut off the supply line to 51-goal striker Erling Haaland, so they were not at their most fluid.
Before Real’s sucker punch on minute 36, when Vinicius drove forward and fired into the top corner, the visitors had controlled possession.
After the break, however, the roles were reversed as City struck back just as it looked like they were on the ropes when De Bruyne drilled past Belgian international teammate Thibaut Courtois.
“When we were better, they scored. When they were better, we scored,” said Guardiola. “Tight game, Bernabeu, a semi-final always is difficult. 1-1 and we have a final next Wednesday at home with our people.”
English football has been dominated by City under Guardiola. They are about to win their fifth Premier League championship in as many years.
On the European stage, they have yet to duplicate that success. Unlike Madrid, who has a wealth of experience, City has only ever made it to one Champions League final.
“They are so demanding. They are so good, (they have) the experience, the quality,” added Guardiola.
“Now they travel to Manchester and we are going to see what we can do better.
“When you play these type of games it’s like a playoff. The second (game) you learn a lot from the first and hopefully we can learn and attack and defend better.”
Photo by EPA/Kiko Huesca
