If Real Madrid-Manchester City has become that most modern of Champions League fixtures, this latest meeting showcased a vintage European Cup quality. It is that moment of true quality that comes out of almost nothing and can change almost everything about a tie. Both teams suffered from it on Tuesday. Both teams benefited from it. It did feel telling that two goals of the highest level came as their sides were enduring their most difficult periods of the game, but in this case more about the players responsible than the teams. This competition is not just about deciding the champions of Europe, after all. That pursuit instead often elevates the greatest player in the world, and it was victory that for so long decided the Ballon d’Or. There is now an opening there as the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo era fully comes to an end, and Vinicius Junior is clearly one of those most willing to fill it. And with full speed. This is a player who has added such a complete range of abilities to that devastating pace. The nature of that first goal was testament to that, another jaw-dropping moment that was also one of those which reflected a player moving to another level. This wasn’t just scorching through a defence to side-foot it past a keeper - if such brilliance can even be described in that muted way - in that way Vinicius marked his early career. It was a strike hit with full confidence and power, that showcased a player growing into his game and his true qualities. It was a little like when Messi went from beating defenders and sliding the ball past goalkeepers to suddenly smashing in all range of strikes, if that is obviously not to directly compare the Brazilian to probably the greatest player of all time. There is a greater question now of who compares to Vinicius. He may well be the most effective player in the world right now, if not the very best. Kylian Mbappe still feels like he has a pure football level beyond anyone else but, as a global audience experienced a moment like that, it’s hard not to again wonder if he feels he is wasting himself in a league that isn’t really watched. The French star at this point has a few relevant games a year. Vinicius is making people take note almost every week. There is then their counterpart in sky blue. This time, however, it wasn’t Erling Haaland. For all the focus on Norwegian’s goals, there have been moments this season where it has felt like he’s been in a mutually beneficial competition with Kevin De Bruyne to be City’s best player. This was most true in the 4-1 victory over Arsenal, but the Belgian clearly won here. The goal was one of those essential interventions that characterises the career of great players, that step-up with something above anyone when it is most needed. And at the most exacting stage. Haaland may have leapt above his teammate in those discussions, but this was one of those games where it can least be understood why people say he is a great goalscorer rather than necessarily a great player. That isn’t a criticism, or even to say it’s actually true, but he was more at the fringes of general play here in that way that can happen. Madrid will know not to get complacent on that, though. The truth is that David Alaba and Toni Rudiger had to work extremely hard to limit his impact. It just left that space for De Bruyne, which sets up the second leg. Guardiola described it as “a play-off” as well as a final, but indicated he will seek to do something different in terms of tactics. This was a rare game where, even though City of course had more of the possession, they didn’t have full control of the game and probably weren’t the better team. “We try to adjust something for the second leg to be a bit more fluid, play with a bit more rhythm,” Guardiola said. This has the feel of one that is going to be decided by those margins. Two of the best players already indicated that. Read More Perfect moments help Man City and Real Madrid set up thrilling encore Kevin De Bruyne is Man City’s man for the big occasion but has he met his match? Is AC Milan vs Inter on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Champions League semi-final AC Milan are back – but not as how you remember them The Milan derby crowns Serie A’s return - here is why it means so much more AC Milan vs Inter predicted line-ups: Team news ahead of Champions League semi-final

The Suns are unlikely to trade Deandre Ayton this offseason, according to an insider. This is in response to low offers for him.According to radio host John Gambadoro, the Suns are "unlikely" to trade Deandre Ayton."I am sticking with what I have been saying these last few day...

Saul "Canelo" Alvarez is out to prove he remains the king of middleweight boxing when he puts his titles on the line against Jermell Charlo on Saturday in a clash...

Aaron Boone has faced criticism for his uneven performance in the dugout, but the Yankees manager continues to stand up for his players -- and exit games early.The New York Yankees are 30-22, riding a strong wave of positive momentum and solidifying their place in the American League contenders ...

The Chicago Cubs are sure to undergo some surprising roster changes by June 1, even though it's just a few weeks away.Sitting four games under .500 in a crowded NL Central division, the Chicago Cubs need to make some changes. Despite a hot start to the season after acquiring shortstop Dansb...

India's Ravindra Jadeja took two prize wickets but Australia remained in command of the World Test Championship final despite an error-strewn display...

Savannah Marshall will bid to reclaim her status as a world champion this weekend, as the former middleweight title holder moves up a division to challenge Franchon Crews-Dezurn for her undisputed belts. Marshall was unbeaten until she suffered a decision loss to Claressa Shields last year, a result that saw the Briton lose her WBO middleweight title as Shields became undisputed in the division. Now, the Hartlepool fighter takes on another American in Crews-Dezurn, who will put all four of her super-middleweight belts on the line against Marshall in Manchester. The event marks another big night in women’s boxing, with Natasha Jonas also in action and seeking to become a two-weight world champion. Here’s all you need to know. When is it? The fight will take place on Saturday 1 July at the AO Arena in Manchester. The main card is scheduled to begin at 7pm BST (11am PT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET), with ring walks for the main event due at approximately 10pm BST (2pm PT, 4pm CT, 5pm ET). How can I watch it? In the UK, the event will air live on Sky Sports and on the broadcaster’s website and Sky Go app. In the US, ESPN+ will air the fights live. Odds Marshall – 1/4 Crews-Dezurn – 16/5 Draw – 14/1 Full odds via Betway. Full card (subject to change) Franchon Crews-Dezurn (C) vs Savannah Marshall (WBC, WBO, WBA and IBF women’s super-middleweight titles) Natasha Jonas vs Kandi Wyatt (vacant IBF women’s welterweight title) Zak Chelli vs Mark Jeffers (super-middleweight) Ben Whittaker vs Vladimir Belujsky (light-heavyweight) Callum Simpson vs Boris Crighton (super-middleweight) Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Dillian Whyte reveals why Anthony Joshua rematch is being delayed Carl Froch criticises Tyson Fury legacy — and outlines what he needs to become ‘the best of a generation’ The Independent’s pound-for-pound boxing rankings How to watch Marshall vs Crews-Dezurn online and on TV this weekend Natasha Jonas to face Kandi Wyatt in bid to become two-weight world champion The Independent’s pound-for-pound boxing rankings

Alexander Mattison is set to replace Dalvin Cook as the Vikings top running back, but their latest free agent visit could signal a lack of confidence.Even without Dalvin Cook, a longtime staple of the franchise, the Minnesota Vikings are expected to be one of the most dangerous offenses in the N...

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou and striker Kyogo Furuhashi have enjoyed a double success at the PFA Scotland Awards. Postecoglou was named Manager of the Year by his peers at the ceremony on Sunday evening, during which a special merit award went to former St Mirren, Aberdeen and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. The Australian was honoured after guiding his club to back-to-back top-flight titles as they chase a domestic treble. He saw off competition from fellow Premiership boss Stephen Robinson of St Mirren, Dunfermline’s James McPake and Stirling Albion’s Darren Young. Kyogo took the cinch Premiership Player of the Year title after scoring 30 goals in all competitions, 24 of them in the league to sit at the top of the charts. He was one of three Bhoys men nominated along with Japanese team-mate Reo Hatate and last season’s winner Callum McGregor after the club surged to a second successive title, with Motherwell striker Kevin van Veen completing the shortlist. In addition, Celtic frontman Jota claimed the Goal of the Season prize for his sublime chip in the 4-0 home victory over Old Firm rivals Rangers in September. The Ibrox club’s midfielder Malik Tillman, who has scored 10 league goals this season, was named Young Player of the Year. Tillman was nominated along with Celtic duo Liel Abada – last year’s winner – and Matt O’Riley joined by Rangers midfielder Malik Tillman and Albion Rovers’ Charlie Reilly, who scored 24 goals despite the Cliftonhill side finishing bottom of League Two. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Emma Hayes said the “time is right” for her to step down as Chelsea manager after it was confirmed last week she will leave the Women’s Super League champions at the end of the season. However, she would not be drawn on reports linking her with the vacant United States national team job, and said the decision to depart is motivated by a desire to spend more time with her five-year-old son, Harry. “I’ve been in post for 12 years and I’ve dedicated my life to this place,” she told reporters. “So the time is right and I will work with the club in the succession plan and do everything I can to make sure there is a good transition.”

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