CCTV9英语新闻：Hart helps English club hang on for first leg draw

The first leg of the semi-final showdown between Real Madrid and Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League. Real boast a record ten titles in the European club competition while this is only the first time City have made it to the last four. 

 

Although the Spanish side would be without Cristiano Ronaldo as the Portuguese striker is dealing with a thigh injury, their attack would still be potent enough to require some Joe Hart heroics at the Etihad.

 

The abscence of the leading scorer in the competition with 16 goals is obviously a huge blow to Los Blancos, but they still boast plenty of firepower up front.

 

However in a rather dull first half, both teams fail to create many clear chances. Karim Benzema launching a shot to the moon for Real.

 

That might have helped in Zinedine Zidane's decision to replace the French striker with Jese after the break, and the Spanish side gradually up their tempo.

 

City striker Sergio Aguero has a quiet night, particularly after David Silva limped off in the first half, and the hosts rarely threaten.

 

In the 71st minute, Jese is set up in the area and the Spaniard loops a header against the crossbar. Hart at full stretch seemed to have it covered.

 

Real come close again in the 78th. Casemiro with a downward header. But Hart somehow gets his left foot on it to keep it 0-0.

 

Only four minutes later, Zidane's men almost break the deadlock, but Hart comes to the rescue again. The English international blocks Pepe's point blank shot with his chest. A superb performance from Hart, and City manage to hold on for a 0-0 draw. The second leg will be played at Real's Bernabeu stadium on May 4th.