‘They’re made to look like a rabbit in headlights’: Rio Ferdinand hails Manchester City’s first-half ‘MASTERCLASS’ against Real Madrid as Bernardo Silva scores TWICE in a fantastic 45 minutes for the hosts
Rio Ferdinand praised Manchester City’s ‘masterclass’ in the first half as Bernardo Silva scored twice to give Pep Guardiola’s side a crucial two-goal advantage in Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.
The hosts flew out of the gates with swagger and confidence, testing Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois twice early, before Silva rounded off a well-worked opener to give City the lead at the Etihad.
The Portugal international headed in City’s second goal in the 37th minute to cap off a sparkling display from the Premier League champions who dominated Carlo Ancelotti’s side in every department.
Ferdinand insisted the reigning Champions League winners look like ‘rabbits in headlights’ at half-time as he hailed Manchester City’s ‘masterclass’ at the BT Sport studio.
‘Well now now. That is an absolute masterclass,” said the Manchester United legend.
Bernardo Silva scored twice to give dominant Manchester City a two-goal lead over Real Madrid at half-time in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final on Wednesday night.
City captain Ilkay Gundogan helped his side dismantle Madrid in midfield during the first half
“They were dominant from the first whistle, they absolutely took the game from Real Madrid.
And we are talking about a team steeped in history, a club steeped in history and who understand this tournament, with great players in their squad.
“They’re made to look like rabbits in headlights. Like they don’t understand what this game is.
“This has been an assault. We have sometimes gasped here at how City held the ball and still created chances.’
Manchester City made Real Madrid look like ‘rabbits in headlights’, according to Rio Ferdinand
The Manchester United legend (center left) and ex-Real Madrid striker Michael Owen (far right) were blown away by the reigning Premier League champions at half-time
Impressed with the reigning Premier League champions, fellow pundit Michael Owen added: “I just don’t know how you play against this Man City team when they are playing so well. What can you do?
“We can try to make holes, maybe (Eduardo) Camavinga can come back there (for Silva’s first goal).
“Basically he comes out and presses the ball and has to stay in the left-back position, but we are splitting her. This team is absolutely impossible to defend against.
“There are so many people running forward for Manchester City, you even have centre-backs running forward. What chance do you have? That was as big a tear as I’ve seen in a long time.’