Jack Grealish, right, believes Manchester City can progress to the Champions League final at Real Madrid's expense. AP
Jack Grealish, right, believes Manchester City can progress to the Champions League final at Real Madrid's expense. AP
Jack Grealish, right, believes Manchester City can progress to the Champions League final at Real Madrid's expense. AP
Jack Grealish, right, believes Manchester City can progress to the Champions League final at Real Madrid's expense. AP

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Football

Jack Grealish confident 'unstoppable' Man City can finish the job against Real Madrid

City, who drew first leg at the Bernabeu 1-1, have won all 14 matches at the Etihad Stadium in 2023 ahead of next week's Champions League semi-final second leg

Steve Luckings
Steve Luckings

May 10, 2023

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Manchester City forward Jack Grealish is confident he and his teammates can finish the job against Real Madrid when the two meet in next week's Champions League semi-final second leg, saying City feel "unstoppable" at home.

City have been imperious at the Etihad Stadium this year, winning all 14 matches since the turn of the year.

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A 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu in Tuesday's first leg leaves the tie finely poised ahead of next Wednesday's return match.

Both goals came from spectacular strikes from outside the box as Kevin De Bruyne cancelled out Vinicius Junior's opener.

"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 are now unbeaten in 21 games in all competitions as they chase a treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.

But they were not at their fluent best as Madrid successfully cut the supply line to 51-goal striker Erling Haaland.

Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne celebrates with teammates after scoring the equaliser against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first-leg match at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid on May 9, 2023. AFP
Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne celebrates with teammates after scoring the equaliser against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first-leg match at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid on May 9, 2023. AFP
Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City scores the equaliser. Getty
Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City scores the equaliser. Getty
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is beaten by Kevin De Bruyne strike to equalise for Manchester City. AP
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is beaten by Kevin De Bruyne strike to equalise for Manchester City. AP
Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City celebrates after scoring. Getty
Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City celebrates after scoring. Getty
Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne celebrates his goal with teammates. AFP
Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne celebrates his goal with teammates. AFP
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring their first goal. Getty
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring their first goal. Getty
Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior scores the opening goal. Reuters
Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior scores the opening goal. Reuters
Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior scores the first goal. Reuters
Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior scores the first goal. Reuters
Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan tangles with Real Madrid's Dani Carvajal. AFP
Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan tangles with Real Madrid's Dani Carvajal. AFP
Referee Artur Dias shows a yellow card to Real Madrid coach Carlos Ancelotti . EPA
Referee Artur Dias shows a yellow card to Real Madrid coach Carlos Ancelotti . EPA
Toni Kroos of Real Madrid fouls Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan. Getty
Toni Kroos of Real Madrid fouls Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan. Getty
Referee Artur Dias Soares shows a yellow card to Toni Kroos of Real Madrid for a foul on Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan. Getty
Referee Artur Dias Soares shows a yellow card to Toni Kroos of Real Madrid for a foul on Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan. Getty
Real Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois makes a save as Manchester City's Erling Haaland closes him down. Reuters
Real Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois makes a save as Manchester City's Erling Haaland closes him down. Reuters
Medics tend to Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan after he received a head injury in a clash with Antonio Rudiger. AFP
Medics tend to Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan after he received a head injury in a clash with Antonio Rudiger. AFP
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti greets Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola before the kick-off. AP
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti greets Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola before the kick-off. AP
Former Real Madrid star David Beckham with his son Cruz at the Santiago Bernabeu. Getty
Former Real Madrid star David Beckham with his son Cruz at the Santiago Bernabeu. Getty

The visitors had dominated possession until they were hit by the Real sucker punch when Vinicius drove forward and fired into the top corner on 36 minutes.

But the roles were reversed after the break as just when City appeared on the ropes, they hit back when De Bruyne drilled past his Belgian international teammate Thibaut Courtois.

"When we were better, they scored. When they were better, we scored," said City boss Guardiola. "Tight game, Bernabeu, a semi-final always is difficult. 1-1 and we have a final next Wednesday at home with our people."

Title-holders Real Madrid are chasing a record-extending 15th European Cup to add to the Copa del Rey title. By contrast, City are chasing an elusive first Champions League title and only second appearance in a final having lost previously to Chelsea in 2021.

Player ratings

REAL MADRID RATINGS: Thibaut Courtois - 8. Produced three vital saves but was powerless to stop De Bruyne's stunning strike. A top performance from a top goalkeeper. Reuters
REAL MADRID RATINGS: Thibaut Courtois - 8. Produced three vital saves but was powerless to stop De Bruyne's stunning strike. A top performance from a top goalkeeper. Reuters
Dani Carvajal - 6. Engaged in a feisty tussle with Grealish, and while the fullback battled hard to contain the City winger, Grealish carved out some good openings down his flank. EPA
Dani Carvajal - 6. Engaged in a feisty tussle with Grealish, and while the fullback battled hard to contain the City winger, Grealish carved out some good openings down his flank. EPA
David Alaba - 7. Produced a superb goal-saving block on Haaland to preserve Real Madrid's lead and played his part in keeping the Norwegian striker quiet at the Bernabeu. Getty
David Alaba - 7. Produced a superb goal-saving block on Haaland to preserve Real Madrid's lead and played his part in keeping the Norwegian striker quiet at the Bernabeu. Getty
Antonio Rudiger - 8. A trademark Rudiger performance. Made himself a nuisance, timed his tackles superbly and alongside Alaba nullified the threat of Haaland. EPA
Antonio Rudiger - 8. A trademark Rudiger performance. Made himself a nuisance, timed his tackles superbly and alongside Alaba nullified the threat of Haaland. EPA
Eduardo Camavinga - 9. Again deployed at left-back and again thrived in his new position. Excellent defensively to keep Silva quiet and created Vinicius' goal with a brilliant drive up the pitch. What a talent. Getty
Eduardo Camavinga - 9. Again deployed at left-back and again thrived in his new position. Excellent defensively to keep Silva quiet and created Vinicius' goal with a brilliant drive up the pitch. What a talent. Getty
Federico Valverde - 7. Ran all night and played his part in an absorbing midfield battle. Showed great skill to skin Akanji but his cross was poor. EPA
Federico Valverde - 7. Ran all night and played his part in an absorbing midfield battle. Showed great skill to skin Akanji but his cross was poor. EPA
Toni Kroos - 6. An awful challenge on Gundogan rightly earned the German a booking and he was the least effective of Real Madrid's midfield three. EPA
Toni Kroos - 6. An awful challenge on Gundogan rightly earned the German a booking and he was the least effective of Real Madrid's midfield three. EPA
Luka Modric - 7. Silky first-time one-two with Camavinga launched the Real attack for the Vinicius goal and displayed his usual brilliant array of passing. EPA
Luka Modric - 7. Silky first-time one-two with Camavinga launched the Real attack for the Vinicius goal and displayed his usual brilliant array of passing. EPA
Vinicius Junior - 9. Scored one of the goals of the tournament with a thunderbolt into the top corner. Always looked dangerous when on the ball with his pace and trickery. AP
Vinicius Junior - 9. Scored one of the goals of the tournament with a thunderbolt into the top corner. Always looked dangerous when on the ball with his pace and trickery. AP
Rodrygo - 6. After his starring role in the Copa del Rey final, it was a quieter performance from the Brazilian. EPA
Rodrygo - 6. After his starring role in the Copa del Rey final, it was a quieter performance from the Brazilian. EPA
Karim Benzema - 6. Led the line well as usual but didn't pose much of a goal threat. His best chance came with a header which Ederson palmed away. EPA
Karim Benzema - 6. Led the line well as usual but didn't pose much of a goal threat. His best chance came with a header which Ederson palmed away. EPA
SUBS: Marco Asensio (Rodrygo 81') - N/A. Little time to make much of an impact. Getty
SUBS: Marco Asensio (Rodrygo 81') - N/A. Little time to make much of an impact. Getty
Aurelien Tchouameni (Kroos 84') - N/A. Had a chance to restore Real's lead late on but his rasping effort was well saved by Ederson. Reuters
Aurelien Tchouameni (Kroos 84') - N/A. Had a chance to restore Real's lead late on but his rasping effort was well saved by Ederson. Reuters
Nacho (Modric 87') - N/A. Brought on to provide fresh defensive legs for the final few minutes. AP
Nacho (Modric 87') - N/A. Brought on to provide fresh defensive legs for the final few minutes. AP
MANCHESTER CITY RATINGS: Ederson - 8. Similar to his Real Madrid counterpart, produced several big saves but had no chance against Vinicius' wonderstrike. AFP
MANCHESTER CITY RATINGS: Ederson - 8. Similar to his Real Madrid counterpart, produced several big saves but had no chance against Vinicius' wonderstrike. AFP
Kyle Walker - 7. Had his hands full against the brilliant Vinicius but embraced the challenge, using his pace and strength against the Brazilian in a fascinating battle. AP
Kyle Walker - 7. Had his hands full against the brilliant Vinicius but embraced the challenge, using his pace and strength against the Brazilian in a fascinating battle. AP
Ruben Dias - 7. Rarely troubled defensively and kept Benzema largely quiet for most of the match. AFP
Ruben Dias - 7. Rarely troubled defensively and kept Benzema largely quiet for most of the match. AFP
Manuel Akanji - 7. The least convincing, defensively, of the City backline but linked up well with Grealish down the left side. Reuters
Manuel Akanji - 7. The least convincing, defensively, of the City backline but linked up well with Grealish down the left side. Reuters
John Stones -7. Another solid showing in defensive midfield from Stones, who partnered effectively with Rodri to help City control the midfield. PA
John Stones -7. Another solid showing in defensive midfield from Stones, who partnered effectively with Rodri to help City control the midfield. PA
Rodri - 8. Superb display from the Spaniard. Ran the midfield and won the ball back on the edge of the Madrid area to start the move for De Bruyne's equaliser. Getty
Rodri - 8. Superb display from the Spaniard. Ran the midfield and won the ball back on the edge of the Madrid area to start the move for De Bruyne's equaliser. Getty
Bernardo Silva - 6. Always provided an outlet on the right flank and produced his usual exquisite touches, but found it tough against the exceptional Camavinga. Getty
Bernardo Silva - 6. Always provided an outlet on the right flank and produced his usual exquisite touches, but found it tough against the exceptional Camavinga. Getty
Kevin de Bruyne - 9. Had a great chance to score but his close-range effort was blocked by Courtois. Made no mistake from the edge of the box, though, as the Belgian fired in City's equaliser. Perhaps didn't command the game as he usually does but it didn't matter as his goal hands City the advantage in the second leg. Getty
Kevin de Bruyne - 9. Had a great chance to score but his close-range effort was blocked by Courtois. Made no mistake from the edge of the box, though, as the Belgian fired in City's equaliser. Perhaps didn't command the game as he usually does but it didn't matter as his goal hands City the advantage in the second leg. Getty
Ilkay Gundogan - 8. Heavily involved and took plenty of punishment, it was the German's smart hold-up play and layoff which assisted De Bruyne's goal. Reuters
Ilkay Gundogan - 8. Heavily involved and took plenty of punishment, it was the German's smart hold-up play and layoff which assisted De Bruyne's goal. Reuters
Jack Grealish - 7. Clearly enjoyed his battle with Carvajal and generally got the better off the fullback. AFP
Jack Grealish - 7. Clearly enjoyed his battle with Carvajal and generally got the better off the fullback. AFP
Erling Haaland - 5. Much of the build-up focused on City's record-breaking striker but he was kept quiet by Madrid's defenders. Would be no surprise if he has a bigger impact in the second leg. AFP
Erling Haaland - 5. Much of the build-up focused on City's record-breaking striker but he was kept quiet by Madrid's defenders. Would be no surprise if he has a bigger impact in the second leg. AFP

Real manager Carlo Ancelotti was booked amid commotion on the touchline as De Bruyne celebrated his 67th-minute equaliser.

The Italian revealed afterwards he had been complaining the ball went out of play in the build-up to the City goal. He also claimed he had seen proof he was correct.

Ancelotti said: “The ball was off the pitch. Technology said it and I don’t understand why VAR didn’t check it.

“The referee didn’t pay attention to many things tonight.”

Ancelotti, however, was happy enough with his side’s performance and the state of the tie.

He said: “We have to play like this again next week. Our strategy was good, we weren’t worried when they had possession.

“Then the second half was completely different. We had the ball and created opportunities. We are very satisfied. “

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6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: AF Seven Skies, Bernardo Pinheiro, Qaiss Aboud

6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Jabalini, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami

7pm: UAE Arabian Derby – Prestige (PA) Dh150,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Dergham Athbah, Richard Mullen, Mohamed Daggash

7.30pm: Emirates Championship – Group 1 (PA) Dh1,000,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Somoud, Richard Mullen, Jean de Roualle

8pm: Abu Dhabi Championship – Group 3 (TB) Dh380,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Irish Freedom, Antonio Fresu, Satish Seemar

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Date of start: 2013

Founders: Rashi Chowdhary and Saad Umerani

Based: Dubai

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Funding/investors:  $400,000 (2018) 

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