Jude Bellingham emerged as the hero for Real Madrid, scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League playoff at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday. This match marked a significant chapter in the ongoing rivalry between the two clubs, with Madrid showcasing resilience by coming from behind twice to claim the win.
Erling Haaland opened the scoring for City, netting his 26th goal of the season in the 19th minute after a well-worked team move. The Norwegian striker, who had been under pressure after failing to score in his previous four encounters against Madrid, put City ahead with a precise finish. However, Real Madrid quickly responded, with Kylian Mbappe leveling the score in the 60th minute. His seemingly mishit shot from a Dani Ceballos cross looped over Ederson and into the net, igniting the visitors’ hopes.
City regained the lead shortly thereafter when Haaland converted a penalty in the 68th minute, awarded after Phil Foden was fouled in the box. The goal marked Haaland’s impressive tally of 49 goals in just 48 Champions League appearances. Despite this, the tide turned once again when Brahim Diaz, just minutes after coming off the bench, equalized for Madrid. He capitalized on a rebound from Ederson, firing in a quick shot to make it 2-2.
As the match approached its conclusion, Bellingham made his mark, scoring the decisive goal in the second minute of stoppage time. After a chaotic sequence in front of goal, he calmly slotted the ball home, sealing an unforgettable comeback for the Spanish giants. The victory puts City in a challenging position as they prepare for the return leg in Madrid on February 19.
The match was not only a showcase of high-stakes football but also a reflection of the growing animosity between the two clubs, exacerbated by Madrid’s boycott of the Ballon d’Or ceremony where City’s Rodri was celebrated for his achievements. A banner displayed by City fans before kickoff, featuring Rodri with the trophy and the phrase "Stop crying your heart out," served as a reminder of the underlying tensions.
This encounter was the fourth consecutive season that Madrid and City have faced off in the Champions League, with each previous winner going on to capture the trophy. As the competition heats up, both teams will be looking to assert their dominance in the knockout stages, with Madrid now holding a crucial advantage heading into the second leg.