It is another classical Real Madrid comeback in the UEFA Champions League. Going behind twice in the match against English Champions Manchester City, Real Madrid showed their typical character in the final ten minutes where they scored two goals to secure a much-needed win over Manchester City in the first leg of the knockout playoff.
Since Real Madrid and Manchester City failed to end the League phase in the top 8, they need to play in the playoff to secure their spot in the Round of 16. However, Manchester City welcomed Real Madrid today to play the first leg at Etihad Stadium. But goals from Kylian Mbappe, Brahim Diaz, and Jude Bellingham secured a crucial victory at Etihad Stadium. Manchester City has no option but to win at Santiago Bernabeu in the second leg of the play-off.
However, the match started with Real Madrid dominating the home side at Etihad. The first 20 minutes were very threatening to Man City as Real Madrid had some crucial chances to score. But the home side took control of the match when Erling Haaland scored the opening goal from a beautiful assist from Gvadriola in the 20th minute. Pep Guardiola said, “I think they started well for 15 minutes, and after we took the game and we were really good with the ball.”
Real Madrid, despite having plenty of chances, failed to find the net in the first half. Coming back from the break, the Los Blancos had gone mad and their time arrived when Kylian Mbappe found the equalizer in the 60th minute.
But the visitors made a great mistake in the 80th minute as Ceballos fouled Phil Foden inside the box, giving away a penalty to the Citizens. Erling Haaland took the spot kick and made no mistake. As a result, Manchester City got their lead back and seemed they would win the match.
But the drama was yet to come as Real Madrid scored two more goals in the final 10 minutes. Former Man City player, Brahim Diaz, gave a lifeline to Real Madrid as he scored in the 86th minute. This goal boosted Real Madrid massively, leading them to score in injury time. It was Vinicius Junior who set up the third goal for Real Madrid in the dying moment. Jude Bellingham converted Vinicius’ pass into the winning goal in the 90+3rd minute to secure an important win over Manchester City. Now they are waiting to host Manchester City at Santiago Bernabeu to play the second leg.
“It was a complete performance by the team from an attacking point of view, and we showed that with the right levels of commitment, we can do anything. They all showed great showed great commitment today and the quality of this team is never in doubt – this is the way forward,” Carlo Ancelotti praised the mentality of his players.
