- Real Madrid secured a dramatic 3-2 away victory over Manchester City
- Jude Bellingham scored the winning goal in stoppage time
- The return leg at the Bernabéu is set for 19 February
Key Takeaways:
Defending champions Real Madrid secured a dramatic 3-2 away victory over Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League playoff clash. The English side led 2-1 until the 86th minute, but Los Blancos showed their class and turned the game around with two late goals. Jude Bellingham, who did not have his best performance, netted the winner in stoppage time. The return leg at the Bernabéu is scheduled for 19 February, with the winner set to face either Atlético Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the Round of 16.
This game never disappoints 🍿#UCL pic.twitter.com/I1YOdeA3lB
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 11, 2025
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola entrusted Jack Grealish with a starting spot, but the winger picked up an injury before halftime. Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s defensive issues forced coach Carlo Ancelotti to deploy Federico Valverde as a right-back, with Raúl Asencio and Aurélien Tchouaméni forming the central defensive pairing.
Erling Haaland opened the scoring for the hosts in the 19th minute, but Kylian Mbappé equalised in the 60th. Haaland struck again from the penalty spot in the 80th minute to restore City’s lead, but Brahim Díaz (86′) levelled the score once more before Bellingham sealed Real Madrid’s victory in added time.
The match delivered on expectations, featuring numerous chances, controversial refereeing decisions, player confrontations, and several individual errors. Overall, Real Madrid created more dangerous opportunities, though missed chances from Bellingham and Mbappé nearly cost them the game. Vinícius Júnior hit the post once, while the hosts responded with two strikes off the woodwork.