Man City vs Real Madrid: Benzema's Brace Keeps Real's Champions League Dream Alive in Seven-Goal Thriller

• Man City vs Real Madrid Champions League cracker ended in a 4-3 win for the Citizens at the Etihad Stadium
• Kevin De Bruyne, Gabriel Jesus, Phil Foden, and Bernado Silva were all on target for Pep Guardiola's charges
• Karim Benzema netted a brace during the clash to keep Real Madrid's Champions League hopes alive ahead of the second leg

There will be everything to play for when Manchester City and Real Madrid face off in the second leg of their semi-final tie after the first leg ended in a 4-3 thrilling win for the Premier League giants.

City appear to have their eyes fixated on winning the European title this season after falling short during last season's final where they lost to Chelsea.

The Citizens have had an epic journey in the competition this term, eliminating Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals.

However, they now have Real Madrid, who have won the tournament a second 13 times standing on their path to the final.

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Man City marks the first half with a flying start

Despite City's strong start into the Tuesday night, April 26, clash played at the Etihad Stadium, Real Madrid did enough to keep their hopes of reaching the final alive.

The hosts had a blistering start to the tie, with Kevin de Bruyne handing Pep Guardiola's men the lead after just two minutes into the kickoff.

Gabriel Jesus doubled the advantage in the 11th minute, capitalising on the defensive blunder committed by David Alaba to make it 2-0.

However, Karim Benzema pulled one back for Real in the 33rd minute as he swivelled a shot into the bottom right of the net to make it 2-1.

Karim Benzema's penalty keeps Real in the tie

The second half of the match was marked with more goals as City restored their two-goal advantage through Phil Foden who steered a brilliant header into the bottom right from six yards out to make it 3-1.

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However, City's strong lead did not last long enough as Vinicius Jr made it 3-2 with an epic solo effort that saw him beat Fernadinho before slotting home past a helpless Ederson.

The home side appeared to have put the tie to bed in the 74th minute when Bernado Silva found the back of the net, only for Benzema to find the back of the net from the penalty spot with just eight minutes left on the clock.

The tie eventually finished 4-3, with everything to play for when the two European heavyweights lock horns in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Villarreal star expresses fear ahead of Anfield trip

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Villarreal midfield linchpin Étienne Capoue has described Liverpool's fabled Anfield Stadium as hell, adding it is the worst stadium he has played at.

The French midfielder who has been an integral member of Villarreal's giant-killing side made his assertion ahead of Wednesday's semifinal first-leg tie against Liverpool.

Capoue, who has faced Liverpool on four occasions at Anfield during his time with Watford, is wary of the intimidating atmosphere at Anfield.