Real Madrid pulled off yet another miraculous comeback in the Champions League, securing a dramatic 3-2 victory over Manchester City in the first leg of their playoff knockout tie. The Spanish giants turned the game around in the dying minutes, with Jude Bellingham delivering the decisive goal deep into stoppage time.
Madrid’s Never-Say-Die Attitude Prevails
The match at the Etihad Stadium seemed destined to end in a 2-1 victory for Manchester City after Erling Haaland’s 80th-minute penalty. However, as has often been the case in Europe, Madrid found a way to win when all hope seemed lost.
“It was a complete performance by the team from an attacking point of view, and we showed that with the right levels of commitment, we can do anything,” said Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti after the match. “They all showed great commitment today, and the quality of this team is never in doubt.”
Bellingham’s stoppage-time goal capped off a stunning turnaround that now puts Los Blancos in control heading into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.
City’s Strong Start Ends in Familiar Collapse
Manchester City had taken the lead early, with Haaland scoring his first-ever goal against Madrid in the 19th minute. The hosts controlled much of the first half, taking advantage of Madrid’s makeshift defense.
Kylian Mbappé brought Madrid level in the 60th minute, but City responded with Haaland’s penalty after Dani Ceballos fouled Phil Foden in the box.
With just 10 minutes remaining, it seemed like City had done enough. But Madrid had other plans.
Costly Mistakes Doom Guardiola’s Men
City’s defensive fragility was exposed once again, with multiple errors leading to Madrid’s late goals.
Goalkeeper Ederson was the first to falter, miscuing a clearance that led to Madrid’s equalizer in the 86th minute. His initial save from Vinícius Jr. rebounded to Brahim Díaz, who finished coolly against his former club.
Then, in the 92nd minute, more defensive lapses sealed City’s fate. Rico Lewis failed to clear a ball, allowing Vinícius Jr. to pounce. Ederson, caught off his line, attempted to recover, but Bellingham reacted quickest, tapping into an empty net to complete Madrid’s comeback.
“We have to look at ourselves, and at this level, it’s so difficult,” said City manager Pep Guardiola. “Always I give credit to the opponent for the quality that they have. But when you arrive at the result at the end, it’s tough. It happens many times, and for the players, it’s difficult.”
City’s Hurdle: The Bernabéu
With Madrid now holding the advantage, City faces a daunting challenge in the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu on February 19.
CNN Senior Sports Analyst Darren Lewis was skeptical about City’s chances. “I cannot see a set of circumstances where they go to the Bernabéu and they pull off an upset,” he said. “They just don’t have that protection for the back four, they don’t have the leadership, the organization.”
Vinícius Jr. Fueled by Pre-Match Banner
Adding an extra layer of drama, City fans unfurled a banner mocking Madrid’s decision to boycott the Ballon d’Or ceremony after Vinícius Jr. failed to win the award. The banner, which referenced Oasis’ song “Stop Crying Your Heart Out,” was meant to taunt the Brazilian forward.
However, the move backfired. “At times, the opposing fans do things which spur me on to put in a great performance,” Vinícius Jr. admitted. “I did that again here tonight and we managed to win the game.”
Former England international Jamie Carragher criticized City fans for provoking the Madrid star. “Why annoy people? Why wind someone up? Do it at the end of the game if you’ve beat them and knocked them out,” he said.
The Stage is Set for an Epic Second Leg
With a one-goal deficit to overturn, City now faces the challenge of taking on Madrid in their fortress. For Los Blancos, this victory reinforces their reputation as European comeback kings. With Bellingham, Mbappé, and Vinícius Jr. in top form, the Spanish giants will be confident of finishing the job in front of their home crowd.