Jude Bellingham struck a 92nd-minute winner as Real Madrid fought back twice to defeat Manchester City 3-2 in a thrilling first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout round play-off.
The victory marked Madrid’s first-ever win within 90 minutes at the Etihad Stadium.
Before kick-off, City fans set the stage for the heated encounter with a “stop crying your heart out” message aimed at Vinícius Júnior and his club.
The Brazilian nearly made an early impact, playing a precise pass to Kylian Mbappé, whose shot was saved, before setting up Ferland Mendy, only for Nathan Aké to block his effort.
After surviving Madrid’s early pressure, City took the lead through a well-crafted move, with Joško Gvardiol chesting the ball into Erling Haaland’s path for the Norwegian’s first-ever goal against Los Blancos.
Madrid responded swiftly as Vinícius saw a deflected shot rattle the crossbar, but City suffered a setback when Jack Grealish limped off injured after an impressive start.
The hosts continued to press, with Phil Foden testing Thibaut Courtois and Manuel Akanji’s header grazing the crossbar, while Federico Valverde came close at the other end before Mbappé skied a chance before halftime.
Akanji was forced off at the break, but City maintained their intensity as Haaland’s shot was deflected onto the crossbar by Eduardo Camavinga. At the other end, Vinícius beat substitute Rico Lewis and crossed for Bellingham, who headed just wide. Mbappé was twice denied—first by Ederson, then by a brilliant Gvardiol tackle.
However, the Frenchman soon found his breakthrough, scuffing Dani Ceballos’ dinked pass past Ederson to level the score on the hour mark.
City quickly regained the lead when Ceballos conceded a penalty for fouling Foden, allowing Haaland to convert from the spot. However, Madrid hit back immediately—Ederson’s save from Vinícius’ shot fell perfectly for Brahim Díaz, who slotted home against his former club just two minutes after coming on.
With the match heading for a draw, Vinícius seized on City’s hesitation, surging forward and nudging the ball into Bellingham’s path, who coolly slotted home the stoppage-time winner.
The result secured Madrid’s fourth consecutive UCL victory and a crucial advantage heading into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Meanwhile, City’s European struggles continue, with just one win in their last six Champions League matches.
