In a dramatic and high-stakes Champions League clash, Real Madrid staged a stunning comeback to defeat Manchester City 3-2 in the first leg of their playoff tie at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday. Jude Bellingham emerged as the hero, scoring the winning goal in stoppage time to cap off a thrilling encounter that saw the Spanish giants twice come from behind to seize control of the tie.
The match began with Manchester City asserting their dominance, as Erling Haaland broke the deadlock in the 19th minute. The Norwegian striker, who had previously struggled to score against Real Madrid, capitalized on a brilliant team move. Jack Grealish’s delicate cross was chested down by Josko Gvardiol, allowing Haaland to slot home his 26th goal of the season.
Real Madrid responded with intensity, and Vinicius Junior came close to equalizing, only to see his effort crash off the crossbar. City also threatened, with Manuel Akanji hitting the woodwork and Thibaut Courtois making a spectacular save to deny Phil Foden. Haaland remained a constant menace, testing Madrid’s makeshift defense, which included midfielders Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni due to injuries.
The second half saw Real Madrid grow into the game. Kylian Mbappe, often a thorn in City’s side, leveled the score on the hour mark with a mishit shot that looped over Ederson after a cross from Dani Ceballos. However, City regained the lead when Foden was fouled in the box by Ceballos, and Haaland calmly converted the penalty for his 49th goal in 48 Champions League appearances.
Just as it seemed City might hold on for a narrow victory, Real Madrid struck back again. Substitute Brahim Diaz, who had only just entered the fray, pounced on a rebound after Ederson parried Vinicius’s shot, firing home against his former club. The drama reached its peak in the 92nd minute when Bellingham capitalized on a defensive lapse, tapping in after Vinicius’s effort was deflected wide, sealing a memorable win for the visitors.
The result leaves Manchester City with a mountain to climb in the second leg, which will take place in Madrid on February 19. The English champions, who have struggled this season in the absence of the injured Rodri, now face a monumental task to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
The match was not just a battle on the pitch but also carried added tension off it. Real Madrid’s boycott of Rodri’s Ballon d’Or ceremony last year, in protest of Vinicius being overlooked for the award, added an extra layer of animosity between the two sides. A pre-match banner featuring Rodri with the Ballon d’Or trophy and the Oasis lyric “Stop crying your heart out” highlighted the simmering rivalry.
With this victory, Real Madrid have taken a significant step toward the last 16, while Manchester City’s season of struggles continues. The stage is set for another epic encounter in the Spanish capital, as these two European heavyweights prepare to write the next chapter in their storied rivalry.
