Manchester City will be 'relieved' to be level in their Champions League semi-final with Real Madrid, says Michael Owen

Michael Owen says Manchester City will be “relieved” with their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid all square at 1-1 after the first leg in the Spanish capital. Vinicius Junior gave the home side the lead at the Bernabeu with a stunning strike from distance, before Kevin De Bruyne leveled the tie with an exquisite hit of his own.

Ad Madrid had several chances to take a first leg lead in the final stages with Karim Benzema having a header kept out from close distance by Ederson, while Aurelien Tchouameni was also denied by the City goalkeeper. Champions LeagueOwen blasts 'toothless' Chelsea for splashing cash but not signing striker18/04/2023 AT 19:38 Speaking on BT Sport after the match, former Real striker Owen said: “I think they’ll [City] be pleased to get off there today with a draw.” “Tactically, it felt like Pep Guardiola had the upper-hand first half.

It switched in the second half and a 1-1 draw going back to Manchester is probably something they’re quite relieved to have.” Ex-England defender Rio Ferdinand thinks instead of being relieved, City will be delighted with the outcome, describing it as a “huge, huge, huge result.” He said: “The resilience and character you’ve got to show when you come into a stadium like this. The hostility from the home fans — managing that, managing this environment is huge." De Bruyne’s equaliser left the home crowd stunned but the goal certainly did not surprise Owen, having seen the Belgian preparing for the perfect moment to strike.

“We were watching them doing a finishing practice before the game and he was knocking them in clean then as well," he said. “He hit a free-kick right in the top corner.

He hits the ball different to most people. He’s such a clean striker