The current king of European competition, Real Madrid, faces a rising force in European football, Manchester City. The clash brings Carlo Ancelotti against Pep Guardiola, with Benzema opposed by Haaland in a semi-final that promises peak drama and a chance for both clubs to add another chapter to their storied legacies. This encounter has the makings of a landmark tie that fans have anticipated for months, a true test of two elite coaching minds and two of the competition’s most lethal attackers.
The first leg unfolds at the historic Santiago Bernabéu, a venue that has hosted countless European nights and now the stage for another clash that could have happened last year. The return leg will take place at the Etihad Stadium a week later, with the winner moving on to face the victor of the Milan-Inter pairing. This matchup is more than a game; it is a chance to settle a lingering question about which side currently holds the upper hand in the European landscape. — Attribution: multiple outlets
Last season, these two teams met in the semi-finals under similar high expectations. City claimed a 4-3 victory in the first leg, hinting at a straightforward path to the final. Mahrez appeared to tilt the balance in the 73rd minute, but Real Madrid showed their signature resilience. Rodrygo leveled the score in stoppage time of regulation, then again just before the end of extra time, sending the tie into extra time. Benzema rolled in a defining late penalty to seal the tie for Madrid, sending them through to the final in Paris. — Attribution: match reports
Madrid arrives with momentum built by a domestic campaign that has them in the mix for major silverware, including a recent Copa del Rey triumph over Osasuna. The Champions League presents a pivotal opportunity to salvage a season that might otherwise be judged as underwhelming. City, meanwhile, has asserted a dominance that has few precedents this season, breaking goal-scoring records and asserting control at the top of European football. The contrast between Madrid’s experience and City’s relentless force makes this semi-final a must-watch event. — Attribution: sports analysis
Calendar
The first leg of the Champions League semi-finals is scheduled for Tuesday, May 9, at 21:00, to be held at the Santiago Bernabéu.
where to watch the match
Movistar+ will broadcast the match live as part of its Champions League package, with ongoing minute-by-minute coverage available in this publication. Fans can also follow the action through the publication’s live updates as the tie unfolds. — Attribution: broadcast info