Real Madrid pulled off a stunning 3-2 victory over Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League play-off on Tuesday. English midfielder Jude Bellingham was the hero, scoring the winning goal in stoppage time to cap off an intense battle at the Etihad Stadium.
The match saw City take the lead twice, thanks to Erling Haaland, who ended his five-game goal drought against Madrid. However, the Spanish giants refused to back down, with Kylian Mbappe and Brahim Diaz responding before Bellingham sealed the win in the 92nd minute.
Manchester City started strong, putting Madrid under early pressure. Haaland opened the scoring in the 19th minute, finishing off a well-worked move that involved Jack Grealish and Josko Gvardiol. City looked in control, but Madrid quickly responded. Vinicius Junior hit the crossbar, and Thibaut Courtois was forced into a spectacular save to deny Phil Foden.
Just before the hour mark, Madrid found their equalizer. A cross from Dani Ceballos reached Mbappe, whose mishit shot still managed to loop past City’s goalkeeper, Ederson, and into the net. The goal gave Madrid a boost as they pressed forward, searching for another breakthrough.
Despite Madrid’s growing confidence, City reclaimed the lead when Foden was fouled in the box, earning a penalty. Haaland stepped up and calmly sent Courtois the wrong way, scoring his second goal of the night and putting City ahead once again.
However, Madrid refused to give up. Diaz, who had just come onto the pitch, pounced on a loose ball after Ederson saved Vinicius’ shot, leveling the score at 2-2. The match seemed destined for a draw until Bellingham delivered the final blow in stoppage time.
With City’s defense in disarray, Vinicius broke through but misfired. Bellingham was quick to react, slotting the ball into an empty net to secure Madrid’s dramatic win. The Etihad fell silent as City players looked on in disbelief.
This result leaves Manchester City with a difficult task ahead. The second leg is set to take place in Madrid on February 19, where they must overturn the deficit to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
