Manchester City 2-3 Real Madrid: Champions League Classic at the Etihad
Jude Bellingham delivered a stunning last-minute winner as Real Madrid edged past Manchester City 3-2 in a breathtaking Champions League play-off first leg at the Etihad Stadium. The thrilling encounter saw Erling Haaland twice put City ahead, only for Real to fight back through Kylian Mbappe and Brahim Diaz before Bellingham sealed the comeback in added time.
This pulsating showdown between two European heavyweights—winners of the last three Champions League titles—sets up an epic second leg at the Bernabeu next week.
Haaland Strikes First, Madrid Responds
Despite early pressure from Real Madrid, it was Manchester City who struck first. Jack Grealish floated a precise cross into the box, where Josko Gvardiol nodded it down for Haaland, who clinically slotted past Thibaut Courtois. A lengthy VAR check confirmed the goal, sending the Etihad into raptures.
Real Madrid responded swiftly, with Vinicius Junior and Mbappe causing havoc in City’s defense. The Brazilian forward curled an effort onto the crossbar, warning City of Madrid’s attacking intent.
Mbappe’s Magic and City’s Second Lead
After the break, City looked to regain control, but Madrid found an equalizer just before the hour mark. A deflected free-kick found its way to Dani Ceballos, who lofted the ball towards Mbappe. The French star completely mistimed his volley, yet a lucky deflection off his shin looped past a helpless Ederson to level the game.
City, however, showed resilience and reclaimed their lead when Phil Foden won a penalty after being brought down by Ceballos. Haaland stepped up and confidently converted his spot-kick to make it 2-1.
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Brahim Diaz and Bellingham’s Last-Minute Heroics
As City seemed to edge closer to victory, former academy player Brahim Diaz came off the bench to punish his old club. The Madrid substitute pounced on a loose ball and rifled home an emphatic equalizer to make it 2-2.
The final twist came deep into stoppage time. Vinicius Junior found Bellingham in the box, and the England international coolly slotted past Ederson to secure a famous 3-2 victory for Los Blancos.
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What’s Next?
With Real Madrid now carrying a crucial away win into the second leg, Manchester City will need a monumental performance at the Bernabeu to keep their title defense alive. Can Pep Guardiola’s side bounce back, or will Madrid once again prove to be their European kryptonite?
