Man City 2-3 Real Madrid: Bellingham Secures Thrilling First-Leg Victory

Late Drama Sees Real Madrid Stun Manchester City

Real Madrid pulled off a sensational late comeback to defeat Manchester City 3-2 at the Etihad in the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie. Jude Bellingham’s stoppage-time winner sealed a dramatic night, leaving City stunned despite a strong performance.

First Half: Man City Strike First

The match began at a high tempo, with Real Madrid immediately testing City’s defense. Vinicius Junior had an early penalty claim ruled out for offside, while Kylian Mbappe forced Ederson into a save and Nathan Ake made a crucial block to deny Ferland Mendy.

Despite Madrid’s early dominance, it was City who broke the deadlock against the run of play. Erling Haaland’s stunning strike—his first-ever goal against Real Madrid—put the hosts ahead. Pep Guardiola’s men then controlled possession, limiting Madrid’s chances. However, Mbappe missed a couple of opportunities late in the first half as the visitors grew into the game.

Second Half: Real Madrid’s Resilience

Madrid came out strong after the break, and their persistence paid off in the 60th minute when Mbappe’s sliced volley from a set-piece situation leveled the score.

City responded well, and when Phil Foden won a penalty after being fouled by Dani Ceballos, Haaland stepped up to convert coolly, restoring the lead.

Final Minutes: Madrid’s Stunning Comeback

Just as it seemed City would take an advantage into the second leg, Real Madrid stunned the Etihad. Substitute Brahim Diaz equalized in the 85th minute, capitalizing on a rebound. Then, in stoppage time, Vinicius Junior broke behind City’s defense, his effort was mishit, but Bellingham was on hand to poke home the winner.

Madrid now take a crucial lead into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, while City must regroup after another late collapse in the Champions League.

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Man City Player Ratings (4-1-4-1)

Ratings provided by FotMob

• GK: Ederson – 6.7/10
• RB: Manuel Akanji – 6.9/10
• CB: Ruben Dias – 5.7/10
• CB: Nathan Ake – 6.8/10
• LB: Josko Gvardiol – 7.5/10
• DM: John Stones – 6.5/10
• RM: Savinho – 6.9/10
• CM: Bernardo Silva – 6.2/10
• CM: Kevin De Bruyne – 6.2/10
• LM: Jack Grealish – 6.2/10
• ST: Erling Haaland – 8.6/10

Substitutes:

• Phil Foden (30′ for Grealish) – 7.5/10
• Rico Lewis (46′ for Akanji) – 5.6/10
• Mateo Kovacic (61′ for Ake) – 5.1/10
• Omar Marmoush (84′ for Savinho) – N/A
• Ilkay Gundogan (84′ for De Bruyne) – N/A

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Real Madrid Player Ratings (4-2-3-1)

Ratings provided by FotMob

• GK: Thibaut Courtois – 6.5/10
• RB: Federico Valverde – 7.2/10
• CB: Aurelien Tchouameni – 7.1/10
• CB: Raul Asencio – 7.5/10
• LB: Ferland Mendy – 6.6/10
• CM: Eduardo Camavinga – 7.1/10
• CM: Dani Ceballos – 7.5/10
• AM: Jude Bellingham – 8.4/10
• RW: Rodrygo – 7.3/10
• ST: Kylian Mbappe – 8.1/10
• LW: Vinicius Junior – 8.2/10

Substitutes:

• Luka Modric (81′ for Ceballos) – N/A
• Brahim Diaz (85′ for Rodrygo) – N/A
• Francisco Garcia (90′ for Mbappe) – N/A

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Player of the Match: Erling Haaland (Man City)

Despite City’s defeat, Haaland was a standout performer, scoring twice and causing problems for Madrid’s defense throughout the game.

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What’s Next?

Can Manchester City bounce back in the second leg, or will Real Madrid’s resilience prove too strong? Share your predictions in the comments below!