'Absolute cinema' - Social media reacts to a CRAZY night of Champions League action

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 9 Apr 2024 16:20 CDT
• 6 min read

Tuesday 9 April 2024 was one of the most memorable nights in Champions League history.

Both Real Madrid vs Manchester City and Arsenal vs Bayern Munich were played on the same night with the same kick-off time, and both games were simply immense.

The Santiago Bernabeu roof was closed in order to create a hostile environment for the former, while the latter game enjoyed a buoyant Emirates crowd in their first taste of Champions League quarter-final action since 2010.

Real Madrid 3-3 Man City

Bernardo Silva struck a Joe Bryan vs David Raya-esque free-kick past Andriy Lunin inside the opening two minutes to give Man City an early lead away from home, but goals from Eduardo Camavinga and Rodrygo in the 12th and 14th minute turned the game on its head.

Real Madrid looked to be in control after their quick-fire double, but Man City stamped their authority on the tie with a fantastic second-half display and two wondergoals from Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol.

Foden’s goal was an absolute arrow, smashed into the top corner with precision and power leaving Lunin with no chance in the Los Blancos goal. Then, a heavy touch from Gvardiol provided an opportunity to hit a right-footed strike towards goal and the Croatian curled an effort past the outstretched hand of Thibaut Courtois' injury replacement.

With Man City in control, Federico Valverde smashed a stunning volley into the far corner to send the Bernabeu crowd wild and level the score at 3-3. An intriguing second-leg tie at the Etihad Stadium promises to be an enthralling watch yet again.

Social media reacts to Real Madrid vs Man City

Arsenal 2-2 Bayern Munich

In another topsy-turvy Champions League classic, Arsenal took the lead through a typical Bukayo Saka effort, who cut inside from the right flank and curled a left-footed beauty past a frozen Eric Dier and into the corner of Manuel Neuer‘s net.

However, Thomas Tuchel’s out-of-form Bayern soon levelled things after back-to-back errors from David Raya and Gabriel Magalhaes. Former Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry eventually poked the ball home after a perfectly-weighted through ball from Leon Goretzka.

Leroy Sane then won a penalty after a clumsy challenge from William Saliba, with Harry Kane dispatching from the spot after sending Raya the wrong way.

Leandro Trossard subsequently equalised in the 76th minute after fantastic footwork from Gabriel Jesus to set up the chance.

Just like Real Madrid vs Man City, this tie is all square heading into a fascinating second-leg.

Social media reacts Arsenal vs Bayern