Match Analyses: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, 26.04.2016. 20:45

Weather: Clear

Referee: Cüneyt Çakir

Attendance: 52,221

MANCHESTER CITY

Coach: Manuel Pellegrini

Playing System: 4-2-3-1

REAL MADRID CF

Coach: Zinedine Zidane

Playing System: 4-3-3

Manchester City Defence

Pellegrini had the chance to rest some of his important players before this game and he told the press that this tie could be one of the most important in the club's history. Only Yaya Toure missed this game due to injury, everybody else was available. 
It turned out early on this game that Real Madrid doesn't leave empty spaces on their own half so Manchester City had to try pressing high as they went for the victory. It is a typical high-pressing tactics from Pellegrini's team with the triggers usually used. As the ball is travelling they have to arrive to their man to make the build-up game harder for the opponent. City has the players to play this pressing game.

Real Madrid CF Defence

Zidane had to rest Ronaldo before this game and also Benzema wasn't 100%. Ronaldo had to miss this game and Benzema had to be subbed off at half-time. These surroundings changed Real Madrid's tactics for this game. It was enough for them to play a draw so they didn't risk too much.
Real Madrid did the midfield pressing but it was only a fake-pressure as they only wanted to slow down Manchester City. Modric played higher trying to read the passing lanes and intercept the ball but there were no problem if he wasn't successful in it. As we can see, Agüero (on the ball) has absolutely no opportunities to play the ball to a teammate. Casemiro stepped back well with Iheanacho to help the two centre backs defending against Agüero. Real Madrid were in control during the whole game.

Manchester City Attack

Manchester City Attack 1

The system chosen by the manager was clearly a 4-2-3-1 with Silva starting from the right flank playing towards the middle to open up space for the quick De Bruyne. Fernando and Fernandinho are both defensive players so they covered the midfield space in case losing possession.
Silva's job was to drag Carvajal towards the middle to open up space for either Clichy or De Bruyne. Carvajal had to decide whether to go with Silva or keep covering his area. We could see Silva's head movement checking on Carvajal. If he lost Carvajal he stepped towards the space between lines. Modric though did a brilliant job covering the passing lanes, so there were no space for Silva to get and turn with the ball.

Manchester City Attack 2

As soon as Clichy had the ball, David Silva stepped back and De Bruyne made his run towards the sideline forcing Carvajal to make a decision. We can see Carvajal's head orientation: he knows that De Bruyne is interchanging with Silva. We can also see the huge space between the lines. This is the space where Agüero should have arrived more times. Casemiro was quite clever though because he filled the empty space as soon as he realised it. Agüero had 32 touches during this game and most of them were on the flanks. He had absolutely no chance against Ramos and Pepe and he was a huge disappointment. Silva picked up an injury before half-time so he needed to be substituted and it was a huge blow for the home side.

Real Madrid CF Attack

Marcelo was the only player in Real Madrid who could cause trouble by dribbling towards the middle. He didn't take too much risk though, he played the ball backwards to keep possession for his team and slow down Manchester City. The Real Madrid midfield (Casemiro-Modric-Kroos) was key to keep possession and create overload in the middle of the pitch.
Bale and Lucas Vazquez started from the sidelines and played towards the middle but the midfielders didn't give them the ball too many times. It was clear that Real Madrid is not in a hurry. As Jese was came on, Real Madrid tried to play the same game as they had the ball. When Manchester City were in possession, Real Madrid also controlled the game through good defending. 

Summary

Real Madrid wants to decide this tie on the second leg, it was clear after watching this game. This game was a battle of defending and attacking tactics where City tried to take the lead. Both teams lost their dominant players who are able to win games. Silva was rested before this game but these injuries happen in football. The second leg must be more exciting for fans as Real Madrid will go for the victory. 
Real Madrid had most of the possession during this game but they were either in control when defending. Manchester City has to show more in the second leg. They have to be more dangerous in the air. Pepe and Ramos did a great job in their own box.