Real Madrid and Manchester City deliver defensive masterclass to leave Champions League semi evenly poised

Only stunning goals from Vinicius Junior and Kevin De Bruyne pried apart two top defenses

Here was a Champions League semifinal graced with two goals worthy of the occasion and precious little else. Yes, there was the odd sharp intake of breath, a scurry here and shuffle there, but this was nothing like the thunderous encounter it threatened to be a few minutes in. The intensity remained but the end product was only to be seen in magnificent flashes first from Vinicius Junior, then Kevin De Bruyne. Both were goals worthy of carrying their team to the biggest game in club football. They would have to be. These defenses were just too good to be beaten by anything but the very best.

This night brought with it a case for the great quality of soccer, that great offense does not necessarily beat great defense every time. Luka Modric and Bernardo Silva can weave as many elegant patterns as they like but if the offside traps hold firm, the tackles are made and the goalkeepers stand firm, defense can just about carry the day. Neither Madrid nor City could make it as far as a clean sheet but both left their opponent with only one route to goal: the simply magical.

That is what both sides delivered just once, offering their unique take on the long-range golazo. Madrid's invigorating counter attack began when Modric drew Rodri up the pitch and took him out of the game with one flicked pass. The irrepressible Eduardo Camavinga charged up the pitch, Vinicius taking a touch to get the ball out from his feet and somehow cannoning the ball into the top corner with a stroke of his right boot.