Real Madrid staged a dramatic comeback at the Etihad as they overturned a 2-1 deficit with two late goals, taking control of their Champions League play-off tie against Manchester City. The win sets the stage for a high-stakes return leg at the Bernabeu.
City struck early with Erling Haaland scoring in the 19th minute after a tight VAR review confirmed his well-placed finish. Haaland went on to score again from the penalty spot after Phil Foden was fouled by Dani Ceballos, giving City a 2-1 lead. Kylian Mbappe had already drawn Madrid level on the hour mark with a lucky stunning volley.
But the game’s momentum shifted in the final 10 minutes. Substitute Brahim Diaz a former City player sparked Madrid’s revival with a goal in the 86th minute. Shortly after, Jude Bellingham sealed the comeback in stoppage time, leaving City to rue their defensive lapses.
City’s collapse proved costly. Manager Pep Guardiola conceded, “Bad decisions, that’s all,” adding that his side deserved the result after scraping into the play-offs with three wins in eight games. His remarks underscored the pressure on a City side struggling for consistency and confidence.
Carlo Ancelotti praised his team’s resilience at the post-match briefing. “I expected this game, it was a complete team performance,” he said. “We have to prepare well for the return leg.” His words reflected the belief that Madrid’s late surge had not only won them the tie but also restored their European pedigree.
Madrid now enter the second leg as strong favourites. For City, must find rhythm quickly to avoid missing the Champions League round of 16 for the first time since 2012/13.
