In an electrifying Champions League showdown at the Etihad Stadium, Real Madrid showcased their trademark resilience, overturning a late deficit to snatch a 3-2 victory over Manchester City. With just four minutes left on the clock, Carlo Ancelotti’s men found themselves trailing 2-1, but a stunning response saw them emerge triumphant.
Goals from Kylian Mbappé, Brahim Díaz, and Jude Bellingham helped Madrid complete a breathtaking comeback after Erling Haaland had struck twice for the hosts. The Spanish giants will now look to cement their place in the Round of 16 when the tie concludes at the Santiago Bernabéu next Wednesday.
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Haaland Opens the Scoring Despite Madrid’s Early Threat
Real Madrid came out with an aggressive approach, pressing high and forcing City into early mistakes. Their first major opportunity came in the 11th minute when Vinícius Júnior nutmegged Manuel Akanji and played a sublime pass to Mbappé, who couldn’t quite stretch enough to beat Ederson in a one-on-one. Just a minute later, Rodrygo lifted a ball over City’s defense for Ferland Mendy, who cut it back for Vinícius. With Ederson beaten, Aké produced a crucial goal-line clearance to keep the visitors at bay.
Despite Madrid’s early dominance, Manchester City struck first. In the 19th minute, Haaland capitalized on a defensive lapse and slotted the ball past the goalkeeper. A lengthy VAR review followed, checking for offside, but the Norwegian’s goal stood, putting the hosts in front. Real Madrid responded almost immediately, with Vinícius coming close when his deflected shot looped over Ederson but struck the crossbar.
City nearly doubled their lead when De Bruyne delivered a pinpoint corner in the 36th minute, and Akanji’s powerful header rattled the crossbar. The first half ended with Madrid pushing hard for an equalizer, with Mbappé coming closest, but his deflected strike whistled just past the post.
Mbappé Strikes to Bring Madrid Level
The second half resumed with end-to-end action as both teams created chances. Haaland’s quick footwork in the 48th minute saw his shot deflect off Eduardo Camavinga and clip the top of the crossbar. Real Madrid, however, gained the upper hand as they began dominating possession.
Their persistence finally paid off in the 60th minute. Dani Ceballos threaded a perfectly weighted ball to Mbappé, who acrobatically steered it into the back of the net, leaving Ederson with no chance. The equalizer galvanized Madrid, who nearly went ahead minutes later when Federico Valverde’s powerful drive flew just inches wide.
Bellingham also had a golden opportunity to put the visitors in front, breaking free in the 70th minute, but Ederson produced a superb save to deny him. Madrid looked the more likely to score, but against the run of play, City found themselves ahead again.
Haaland Converts from the Spot
In the 80th minute, Manchester City were awarded a penalty after a clumsy challenge inside the box. Haaland stepped up and made no mistake, firing his spot-kick into the net to restore City’s lead at 2-1. The home fans erupted in celebration, believing their side had done enough to secure victory.
But Real Madrid are a team that thrives under pressure, and they responded in stunning fashion. With just four minutes remaining, Vinícius unleashed a fierce strike that Ederson could only parry into the path of Brahim Díaz, who reacted quickest to slot home the equalizer.
Bellingham’s Last-Minute Heroics Seal the Win
As the game entered stoppage time, Madrid smelled blood. Vinícius picked up the ball and sprinted past Rico Lewis, lifting a delicate chip over the onrushing Ederson. The ball appeared to be heading just wide until Bellingham made an incredible run, stretching to tap it over the line. The away section of the Etihad erupted as Madrid’s players celebrated wildly.
With their never-say-die attitude, Real Madrid once again proved why they are one of the most formidable teams in Europe. City, meanwhile, will be left to rue missed opportunities as they prepare for a high-stakes second leg in Spain.
All to Play for at the Bernabéu
Real Madrid’s dramatic win sets up a thrilling second-leg encounter. With both teams still in contention, the decisive fixture at the Santiago Bernabéu will be played on Wednesday, February 19. Madrid holds the advantage, but City’s attacking prowess ensures the battle is far from over. European nights don’t get much better than this, and the stage is set for another unforgettable showdown. With both sides possessing world-class talent and immense fighting spirit, the decisive clash promises to be another thrilling spectacle. The race for a spot in the Champions League Round of 16 is far from over.
FAQs
How did Real Madrid defeat Manchester City in the 3-2 thriller?
Real Madrid staged a late comeback after trailing 2-1, with Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham scoring in the final minutes to secure a dramatic 3-2 win at the Etihad Stadium.
Who were the goal scorers in Manchester City vs. Real Madrid?
Erling Haaland scored twice for City, while Kylian Mbappé, Brahim Diaz, and Jude Bellingham netted for Real Madrid.
When and where will the second leg between Real Madrid and Manchester City be played?
The decisive second leg will take place at the Santiago Bernabéu next Wednesday, where Real Madrid will aim to secure a spot in the Champions League Round of 16.
How did Real Madrid turn the game around in the final minutes?
Despite being 2-1 down with just minutes left, Brahim Diaz equalized in the 86th minute before Bellingham sealed the win in stoppage time.
What was the key turning point in Real Madrid’s victory?
Mbappé’s second-half equalizer shifted momentum, but Haaland’s late penalty threatened Madrid’s hopes—until Diaz and Bellingham produced a stunning late rally.
