News Archive

Champions League, semi-finals, first leg

Atlético Madrid 1 – Bayern Munich 0

An early goal by Saúl Ñíguez gave Atlético Madrid the edge against Bayern Munich in their semi-final tie! Simeone’s side started strongly, Saúl and Fernando Torres testing Neuer before Saúl picked up the ball in midfield and cut a swathe through the visiting defence (including Spaniards Thiago, Xabi Alonso and Bernat!) to curl a shot wide of the keeper. Neuer had to save again from Griezmann a few minutes later, but the visitors started to come back, Douglas Costa curling a wide free kick into the side netting and Coman and Thiago coming up against Oblak. After the break Alaba rattled the crossbar with a long shot, and Oblak had to keep out a header from Javi Martínez and a long shot from Vidal. However Fernando Torres could have extended the lead when he hit the post after Griezmann put him through later on. It was an eighth clean sheet for Oblak in eleven Champions League ties, and he will be looking to make it twelve in Germany next Tuesday. Pep Guardiola’s side go away empty-handed, and after being knocked out at this stage by Real Madrid and Barcelona in the last two seasons, the coach will be hoping it will be third time lucky.(27.04.16)

Manchester City 0 - Real Madrid 0

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. (26.04.16)