Jude Bellingham’s stoppage-time winner saw Real Madrid twice come from behind to beat Manchester City 3-2 in the first leg of their Champions League play-off.
It was another instant classic between these two sides. Jude Bellingham delivered a stunning 92nd-minute winner as Real Madrid beat Manchester City 3-2 in a typically dramatic Champions League clash.
City thought they had won it. They were 2-1 up with five minutes to go at the Etihad, believing that some positivity was finally coming to their disappointing season. But individual errors led to their collapse in the dying moments.
Erling Haaland broke his scoring drought against Real Madrid with a brace but it was not enough for even a draw, as Brahim Diaz equalised against his former club with four minutes of normal time remaining, and Bellingham then slid in to turn the ball into an empty net and leave City stunned at the Etihad Stadium. The Norwegian had failed to score in his previous four appearances against Real but broke the deadlock in this Champions League play-off tie after Josko Gvardiol chested the ball into his path.
City held that lead until the hour mark, when Kylian Mbappe’s scuffed volley looped into the far corner, a deserved equalised for Real after they had wasted several clear chances. Haaland put City back in front from the penalty spot, and they looked set to take a lead into the second leg at the Bernabeu. But Diaz and Bellingham had other ideas.
City’s frustrating season continues as their players looked on in disbelief. Real had 20 total shots, so you could argue they deserved the win. However, Pep Guardiola will know that his side had enough chances to see the game out. Now, City face a massive task to turn this tie around and stay in the competition when they travel to Madrid for the second leg.
Leave a Reply