Manchester City 0-1 Real Madrid: City's European Hopes Hang in the Balance
De Bruyne Penalty Miss Proves Costly as Real Madrid take Advantage
Man City vs Real Madrid: Quarter-final First Leg Match Report
Manchester City's hopes of reaching the Champions League semi-finals suffered a setback on Tuesday as they fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final clash.
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, City were unable to find a way past the inspired Thibaut Courtois in the Real Madrid goal. The Belgian goalkeeper made a string of fine saves, including a stunning stop to deny Kevin De Bruyne's penalty midway through the second half.
Karim Benzema's 93rd-minute goal, a close-range finish after a scramble in the City penalty area, proved to be the decisive moment. The goal means that Real Madrid will take a slender lead into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu next week.
City's defeat leaves them with an uphill task if they are to progress to the semi-finals. They will need to score at least twice in Madrid and prevent Real Madrid from scoring to have any chance of reaching the last four.
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