A Champions League clash befitting of the final is underway with Manchester City and Real Madrid colliding in the first leg of their play-off showdown.
City got off to the perfect start with Erling Haaland opening the scoring after 18 minutes.Kylian Mbappe levelled on the night on the hour mark with his fortunate effort beating Ederson in goal.
One of these giants is facing elimination before the round of 16 stage with Pep Guardiola’s side desperate to salvage European glory from what has been a fairly rotten campaign back home in England.
Defending champions Real Madrid arrived in Manchester battered and bruised. Carlo Ancelotti is without his entire first-choice defence with players shifted here there and everywhere to try and accommodate the loss of some key personnel at the back.
This is the fourth year in a row City and Real have been paired in this competition – it’s a fixture that doesn’t let us down.
Stay across all the action at the Etihad and from tonight’s other Champions League ties with Metro’s LIVE matchday blog.