Real Madrid edged a thrilling encounter against Manchester City, with Jude Bellingham delivering the decisive goal in stoppage time to secure a 3-2 victory in the first leg of their Champions League playoff tie.
Pep Guardiola had warned that Madrid’s attacking quartet was nearly impossible to contain, and his words proved prophetic. Madrid’s relentless attacking play and devastating speed ultimately overwhelmed City, despite Erling Haaland’s best efforts. The Norwegian striker, who had previously failed to score against Madrid in four Champions League matches, found the net twice, first with a clinical finish and later from the penalty spot after Phil Foden was fouled by Dani Ceballos.
Madrid responded with determination. Kylian Mbappé grabbed the first equalizer with a scrappy finish, while Vinícius Júnior tormented City’s defense with his blistering pace. Late in the match, Madrid struck again when Vinícius fired a shot that Ederson could only parry into the path of Brahim Díaz, who slotted home against his former club.
The defining moment came in stoppage time. A misplaced pass from Mateo Kovacic left Rico Lewis exposed, and Vinícius pounced, accelerating past him before chipping over Ederson. Bellingham was on hand to tap into the empty net, securing a dramatic victory.
The match lived up to its billing as a modern-day classic, fueled by the growing rivalry between the two clubs. City fans had mocked Madrid’s Ballon d’Or controversy with a pre-match display featuring Rodri and the words, “Stop crying your heart out.” But Madrid had the final say on the pitch.
From the outset, Madrid looked dangerous. Vinícius set up Mbappé early, forcing Ederson into action, while Nathan Aké made a vital block to deny Ferland Mendy. City struck first when Jack Grealish, making a rare start, delivered a precise lob into the box, allowing Josko Gvardiol to set up Haaland for the opener. The goal stood after a lengthy VAR check, but Grealish’s night was cut short by injury.
Vinícius rattled the crossbar with a brilliant solo effort, and Madrid pushed forward aggressively before halftime. Federico Valverde, filling in at right-back due to injuries, fired a shot over, while Mbappé twice went close. At the other end, Foden tested Thibaut Courtois, and Akanji struck the crossbar with a header.
The second half continued at breakneck speed. Haaland nearly made it 2-0 with a shot that deflected onto the crossbar. Madrid kept pressing, with Bellingham’s header going close and Mbappé forcing a sharp save from Ederson. The equalizer finally arrived when Ceballos lofted a free-kick into the box, and Mbappé’s awkward volley spun into the net.
City reclaimed the lead when Foden’s quick footwork drew a foul from Ceballos, allowing Haaland to convert from the penalty spot. But Madrid refused to relent. Valverde came within inches of another equalizer before Díaz made it 2-2 by reacting quickest to Ederson’s parry.
Then came the final twist. Kovacic’s loose pass caught Lewis off guard, and Vinícius seized his moment, setting up Bellingham for the dramatic winner. Madrid had come from behind twice, but their attacking brilliance ensured they took a lead back to the Bernabéu.
