Real Madrid 3 – 2 Manchester City
Real Madrid’s Thrilling Comeback Stuns Man City
Carlo Ancelotti’s side avoided defeat in dramatic fashion, securing a crucial victory in their Champions League last-16 battle.
With just five minutes left, Real Madrid trailed 2-1, wasting several chances and staring at defeat. But in a stunning twist, they scored twice in six minutes to snatch a 3-2 win over Manchester City at the Etihad.
City took the lead through Erling Haaland before Kylian Mbappé equalized in the second half. Haaland’s penalty put the hosts ahead again, but substitute Brahim Díaz leveled the score minutes after coming on, and Jude Bellingham sealed the dramatic win in stoppage time.
Despite having less possession, Real Madrid dominated the attack. While City managed 11 shots with four on target, Real registered 20 shots with eight on goal. However, poor finishing almost cost them the game, and few expected them to turn it around so dramatically.
This season has been tough for City, and winning this match would have been a massive confidence boost. Instead, they now face elimination, with the second leg set for the Santiago Bernabéu—a daunting challenge for Pep Guardiola’s team.
A Fierce Battle at the Etihad
Missing key defenders Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Éder Militão, and Antonio Rüdiger due to injuries, Real Madrid’s defense struggled early on, but they started the match strongly.
In the ninth minute, Vinícius Júnior broke into the box but went down under Ederson’s challenge—though he was offside in the buildup.
Real Madrid created three great chances in the next few minutes. Mbappé’s shot was saved by Ederson, Ferland Mendy’s close-range effort was blocked by Nathan Aké, and Vinícius scuffed a shot from a promising position.
Despite Madrid’s pressure, it was City who struck first in the 19th minute. Jack Grealish set up Haaland, who controlled a cross from Joško Gvardiol before smashing in a volley from close range. The goal was confirmed after a lengthy VAR check, sending the Etihad into celebration.
Haaland finally broke his goal drought against Real Madrid, scoring his first goal in five matches against them with his 14th shot.
Vinícius almost responded in the 25th minute, but his long-range shot hit the crossbar. City suffered a setback when Grealish picked up an injury and was replaced by Phil Foden.
In the 35th minute, Foden’s powerful shot from outside the box was saved by Thibaut Courtois. A minute later, Haaland was denied by a last-ditch defensive effort. Just before halftime, Mbappé wasted another big chance by blasting over from inside the box.
A Second-Half Comeback
City nearly doubled their lead early in the second half, but Haaland’s shot hit the crossbar. Madrid responded in the 53rd minute when Jude Bellingham’s header from a Vinícius cross missed the target. Two minutes later, Mbappé’s effort from just outside the six-yard box was stopped by Ederson.
Real Madrid found their equalizer in the 60th minute through an unusual Mbappé goal. After a blocked free-kick, Dani Ceballos sent in a cross, and although Mbappé failed to connect properly on the volley, the ball somehow found its way into the net.
That marked Mbappé’s 24th goal for Real Madrid this season and his 52nd in the Champions League.
Bellingham nearly put Real ahead in the 66th minute, but Ederson made a crucial save.
City regained the lead in the 80th minute when Haaland converted a penalty, awarded after Ceballos fouled Foden in the box. This was Haaland’s 49th goal in just 48 Champions League matches.
A Stunning Final Twist
Real Madrid made a game-changing substitution in the 84th minute, bringing on Brahim Díaz for Rodrygo. Just two minutes later, Díaz leveled the score. Vinícius’ shot was parried by Ederson, but Díaz pounced on the rebound to make it 2-2.
Then, in stoppage time, Real Madrid completed the comeback in sensational fashion. A misplaced City pass sparked a counterattack, with Vinícius delivering a perfect ball past Ederson to the far post. Bellingham arrived just in time to slide the ball into the net, sealing a dramatic 3-2 victory.
With the second leg set for February 19 at the Bernabéu, the stage is set for another thrilling battle in this fierce Champions League rivalry, marking the fourth consecutive season these two teams have faced off in Europe’s biggest competition.
