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3 takeaways from Manchester City-Real Madrid stalemate: We waited for that?

Phil Noble / Reuters

What was that?

In Tuesday's first leg of the highly anticipated Champions League semi-final between Manchester City and Real Madrid, the scoreless draw played out at the Etihad Stadium was as removed from its blueprint as it possibly could have been.

On paper, a tie involving City and Madrid was supposed to produce goals, attacking football, and more goals. Instead, supporters witnessed 90 minutes of offensive inadequacy from both clubs, leaving everything to play for at the Santiago Bernabeu on May 4.

Here are three takeaways from a bizarre first leg:

A lack of expected narrative

Entering the tie, both Joe Hart and Keylor Navas could have been forgiven for thinking their gloves would be left in tatters by the end of the first leg. After all, few European clubs boast the firepower of City and Real Madrid.

However, the script didn't go to plan, perhaps thanks to missing cast members.

After Cristiano Ronaldo was omitted from Real Madrid's team sheet due to a thigh strain, David Silva became the tie's next casualty, forced to exit the pitch in the first half with an apparent hamstring injury. Then, at the interval, Karim Benzema, perhaps still struggling with a knee injury, was removed from the fixture.

With City and Real Madrid missing so many key attacking players, a match expected to ooze goals turned into a shockingly tame affair, particularly as Los Blancos were willing to adopt a reserved approach to the game. The clubs combined for only five shots on target, a far cry from what was expected.

Standout displays from defensive midfielders

Neutrals who were hoping for more from the first leg can partially blame Fernando and Casemiro, two defensive midfielders whose first names are irrelevant but whose role in producing a scoreless draw was massive.

Fernando's willingness to drop deep and play with an outstretched leg at all times allowed Fernandinho to attack, and by the time the final whistle arrived, the former had tallied five interceptions and three clearances.

Related: Hart makes enormous save from point-blank Pepe blast to preserve goalless draw

Similarly, Casemiro's defensive positioning allowed Luka Modric to charge up the pitch, and the Brazilian's four interceptions and three clearances were vital in keeping City off the scoreboard.

Lucas Vazquez promising in Ronaldo's absence

For someone who only had 163 minutes of Champions League experience before Tuesday, Lucas Vazquez manufactured an admirable performance.

Filling a void left by Ronaldo is no easy task. However, despite next to no experience in the Champions League, Vazquez showed a confidence that can only be applauded.

He was fearless when in possession of the ball, completing three successful dribbles, and, in a specific example, he superbly stopped Kevin De Bruyne on a break in Real Madrid's half.

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