Match report: A hard-fought match ends in a draw between AC Milan and Real Madrid

A closely contested match between two of Europe's top clubs ends in a 1-1 draw

AC Milan and Real Madrid played out a thrilling 1-1 draw at the San Siro on Tuesday night in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.

The match was played at a frantic pace from the start, with both teams creating chances. AC Milan had the better of the early chances, with Rafael Leão and Olivier Giroud both going close.

Real Madrid grew into the game as the first half progressed, and they took the lead in the 25th minute through Karim Benzema. The Frenchman scored a stunning goal, curling the ball into the top corner from the edge of the area.

AC Milan responded well to going behind, and they equalized just before half-time through Sandro Tonali. The Italian midfielder scored a fine goal, firing a low shot into the bottom corner from outside the area.

The second half was just as entertaining as the first, with both teams continuing to create chances. However, neither team could find a winning goal, and the match finished 1-1.

The draw leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg at the Bernabéu next week. AC Milan will be confident of progressing to the final, but Real Madrid will be slight favorites.

Key moments

* 25': Karim Benzema gives Real Madrid the lead with a stunning goal. * 42': Sandro Tonali equalizes for AC Milan with a fine strike from outside the area. * 65': Rafael Leão misses a great chance to give AC Milan the lead. * 80': Thibaut Courtois makes a great save to deny Olivier Giroud.

Reaction

* AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli: "I am happy with the performance of my team. We played well and created chances. We could have won the game, but we also could have lost it. I am confident that we can win the second leg at the Bernabéu." * Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti: "I am disappointed with the result, but I am also proud of my team. We played well and created chances. We could have won the game, but we also could have lost it. I am confident that we can win the second leg at the Bernabéu."

Conclusion

The first leg of the Champions League semi-final between AC Milan and Real Madrid was a thrilling encounter. Both teams played well and created chances, and the match could have gone either way. The draw leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg at the Bernabéu next week.