Real Madrid secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League knockout tie, with Jude Bellingham scoring a stoppage-time winner at the Etihad Stadium.
The Spanish giants overcame an early setback and showed their resilience to gain an advantage ahead of the second leg in Madrid.
Manchester City started the match aggressively, pressing high and putting Real Madrid under immediate pressure.
Their attacking intent paid off early as Erling Haaland, who has been in incredible form this season, found the net in the 12th minute.
Kevin De Bruyne played a clever through ball to Haaland, who finished clinically past goalkeeper Andriy Lunin to give the home side a deserved lead.
Madrid, however, responded quickly. Just six minutes later, Kylian Mbappé, Madrid’s marquee signing of the summer, capitalized on a defensive lapse to level the score.
The French forward received a pinpoint pass from Vinícius Júnior before unleashing a powerful shot that left Ederson with no chance.
Despite Madrid’s equalizer, City continued to dominate possession, with Rodri and Bernardo Silva controlling the midfield.
Pep Guardiola’s side regained the lead in the 37th minute when Haaland converted a penalty after a foul on Phil Foden inside the box.
The Norwegian striker confidently sent Lunin the wrong way, putting City ahead 2-1 before halftime.
The first half ended with City in control, but Madrid remained a constant threat on the counterattack. Carlo Ancelotti’s team, known for their ability to deliver in high-pressure moments, came out determined in the second half.
The second half saw Real Madrid push forward with more urgency. Their efforts were rewarded in the 69th minute when Brahim Díaz, making a rare start in the Champions League, found the net with a well-placed shot after a brilliant solo run. The goal stunned the City crowd and shifted momentum towards the visitors.
As the clock ticked down, it appeared the match would end in a draw. However, Madrid had one last moment of magic left.
In the 92nd minute, a counterattack led by Vinícius Júnior saw the Brazilian deliver a precise cross into the box. Bellingham, arriving at the right moment, calmly slotted the ball past Ederson to complete Madrid’s comeback.
City players and fans were left in disbelief as Madrid celebrated a crucial away victory. Despite their strong performance, Guardiola’s side will now need to overcome a deficit in the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Real Madrid now hold the advantage going into the second leg at home, but City remain a dangerous team capable of turning the tie around.
Guardiola will need to inspire his squad to produce a strong performance in Spain if they hope to advance further in the competition.
With this result, Madrid once again showcased their remarkable ability to rise to the occasion in the Champions League.
The second leg promises to be an exciting and intense battle as both teams fight for a place in the next round.