Manchester City claimed a slender advantage in their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid after a dramatic 4-3 victory at the Etihad Stadium.
The Premier League leaders raced into a 2-0 lead in a pulsating first-leg encounter with goals from the irrepressible Kevin De Bruyne and Gabriel Jesus in the first 11 minutes.
Real responded through the prolific Karim Benzema before Phil Foden and Vinicius Junior traded goals early in the second half.
Bernardo Silva gave City a two-goal advantage but Benzema scored a cheeky penalty – his 41st goal of the season in as many appearances – to cut the deficit once again.
Both sides spurned numerous other chances in a compelling and breathless clash that set the stage for a fascinating second leg next week.
City may regret not making the most of a number of early opportunities as they stormed out of the blocks.
They could almost have put the tie out of sight in the opening half-hour but Real, after fine comebacks against Paris St Germain and Chelsea in the previous two rounds, fought back again.
