Real Madrid, Man City Play Out Thrilling 3-3 Draw

Real Madrid and Champions League holders Manchester City shared a pulsating 3-3 draw in a roller coaster quarter-final first leg.

Bernardo Silva put City ahead with a low free-kick but Ruben Dias' own goal and Rodrygo Goes helped Madrid dramatically and swiftly fight back.

Manchester City's own quick-fire double in the second half through Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol stunned the record 14-time winners, but they snatched a draw through Fede Valverde's scorching volley.

The thrilling match was played in the shadow of a threat by the Islamic State group to target every quarter-final first leg, with a heavy security presence around the Santiago Bernabeu.

Spanish officials said 2,000 police were to be deployed, but the match was played without incident off the field. On it, there was plenty under the closed stadium roof, which produced a thunderous atmosphere.

"I think it was a really good, entertaining game, it dignified this competition," said Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola.

Guardiola omitted influential playmaker Kevin De Bruyne after the Belgian said he was unwell shortly before the game.

"I said yesterday, with all the quality we see on the pitch, of course it will be a fantastic game," said Carlo Ancelotti.

"A lot of quality, two fantastic teams, I think the result was right, correct."

Ancelotti opted for defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni at center-back over Nacho Fernandez and an early rash challenge from the Frenchman paved the way for City's opener.

Tchouameni clumsily hacked down Jack Grealish after 33 seconds and was booked, meaning he will miss the second leg.

From the free-kick Silva punished Madrid further, catching goalkeeper Andriy Lunin out at his near post with a low effort which skidded home.

This kind of feat is Madrid's wont in the Champions League, and they produced two goals in two minutes, reminiscent of their stunning 2022 semi-final comeback against City thanks to Rodrygo's brace.