Jude Bellingham netted a dramatic stoppage-time goal as Real Madrid fought back twice to defeat Manchester City 3-2 in the first leg of their Champions League play-off at the Etihad on Tuesday.
Erling Haaland gave City the lead twice, scoring his first goals in five encounters with Madrid. However, Madrid responded through Kylian Mbappé and Brahim Diaz, and Bellingham sealed the win in the 92nd minute on his return to England.
“It was a strange game. We played some of our best football but still ended up behind,” Bellingham reflected. “I don’t care about City’s form – they’re an exceptional team. It’s always tough to play against them, but we took our chance at the end.”
City now faces a significant challenge to progress to the last 16 when they meet Madrid again on February 19 in Spain.
“It’s frustration and anger,” City defender John Stones said. “We need to be better at seeing games through. We need to take accountability for our performances and step up during difficult moments.”
The teams are meeting for the fourth consecutive season in the Champions League, with each previous winner going on to claim the trophy. The rivalry was intensified by Madrid’s boycott of City midfielder Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win last year, as they felt Vinícius Júnior was unfairly overlooked.
Rodri’s long-term injury has contributed to City’s struggles this season, with the Premier League champions currently trailing by 15 points.
Madrid, often caught out at the Etihad in recent years, had an early chance to trouble City. Vinícius Júnior was greeted with boos from the home crowd, and had a penalty ruled out for offside before being fouled by Ederson.
City broke the deadlock in the 19th minute with a brilliant team goal. Jack Grealish’s cross found Josko Gvardiol, who chested it to Haaland, and the Norwegian’s 26th goal of the season gave City the lead.
Madrid responded with an effort from Vinícius Júnior that hit the bar. City also came close, with Manuel Akanji striking the woodwork, and Thibaut Courtois making a crucial save to deny Phil Foden.
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Haaland was a constant threat to Madrid’s defense, which was missing several key players. Madrid struggled defensively, with midfielders Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouaméni playing in the backline alongside Raul Asencio.
The second half saw Haaland’s shot deflected off the bar, and Madrid began to take control. Bellingham missed a header, and Ederson denied Mbappé before the pressure led to Madrid’s equalizer. Mbappé’s mishit shot looped over Ederson into the net in the 60th minute.
Madrid kept up the pressure, with Valverde drilling wide and Bellingham denied by Ederson. City regained the lead when Foden was fouled in the box, and Haaland converted the penalty for his 49th goal in 48 Champions League appearances.
However, City’s hopes were dashed late in the game. Diaz, who had only just come on, scored after Ederson parried Vinícius’s shot into his path. Moments later, the Brazilian goalkeeper was caught out of position, allowing Vinícius to race through. Though his shot was heading wide, Bellingham finished easily for the winner, sending City into another disappointing defeat.
