Sterling's stunning strike sinks Real Madrid in Champions League semi-final

Manchester City took a giant leap towards their first Champions League final appearance after a 4-3 first leg win at Real Madrid

Raheem Sterling's sumptuous curling effort put Pep Guardiola's side in control of the tie heading into next week's second leg at the Etihad (BBC)

The England winger collected the ball on the left flank, drove infield, and unleashed a left-footed shot that flew into the top corner.

Kevin De Bruyne had earlier given City a deserved lead, with Karim Benzema leveling for Real Madrid before Gabriel Jesus restored the visitors' advantage.

Phil Foden made it 4-2 early in the second half, only for Vinicius Junior to reduce the deficit with a superb individual effort to set up a tense finale.

City held on for a famous victory, however, and will be confident of finishing the job in Manchester next week.

The result leaves Real Madrid with a mountain to climb in the second leg, but they will take heart from their performance in the second half.

Zinedine Zidane's side showed great character to come back from two goals down, and they will believe they can turn the tie around at the Bernabeu.

The match was played in front of a passionate crowd at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium, and it was a fitting stage for such a momentous occasion.

City were the better team in the first half, and they took a deserved lead through De Bruyne.

Real Madrid were level just before half-time through Benzema, but Jesus restored City's lead before the break.

Foden extended City's lead early in the second half, but Vinicius Junior gave Real Madrid hope with a superb goal.

City held on for the win, however, and they will be confident of finishing the job in Manchester next week.