Real Madrid Made An Epic Win Against Man City
Real Madrid made an epic comeback in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League playoff. The defending champions left it late against Manchester City. Jude Bellingham scored an injury-time winner to seal the match 3-2 in favor of the Spanish team.
These two teams are competing for a spot in the Round of 16. A two-legged tie would decide the fate of both teams. The first match was played at the Etihad Stadium and the second leg will be held at the Bernabeu.
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Before the match, Manchester City supporters had an interesting message for Vinicius Junior. A big banner with Rodri’s photo was displayed with a special message “Stop Crying Your Heart Out.” This added more heat to this tie.
How did the teams line up?
Pep Guardiola made an interesting call by not starting any of his winter signings. He opted to go with experienced players. John Stones stepped into the midfield in a defensive role.
Real Madrid are struggling with injuries. Carlo Ancelotti only played with two designated defenders, Ferland Mendy and Raul Asensio. Aurelien Tchouameni and Valverde were a part of the back four.
Haaland’s first goal against Real Madrid
Manchester City knew that they had to start better and put pressure on Real Madrid’s young stars. Pep’s team held the ball in the initial phase. City were trying to unlock the opposition’s defense and were successful in the 19th minute. Josko Gvardiol played a ball down the left and continued his run. The ball was played in the box and the Croatian defender chested it down for Erling Haaland. The Norwegian found the back of the net and this was his first goal against the Los Blancos.
Real Madrid found the momentum but were denied by Ederson. There were some moments of brilliance but City held to their one-goal advantage.
Real Madrid: Kylian Mbappe scores on the hour mark
The Los Blancos were not going down easily. They continued their push to score a goal and finally found the breakthrough. Dani Ceballos played a brilliant ball over the defense. Kylian Mbappe attempted a shot but couldn’t connect it properly. However, the deflection from his shin found the back of the net. The score was tied at 1-1.
Goals galore
Cebellos created the first goal for Madrid but his mistake cost the second goal for the team. Around the 80th minute, he conceded a penalty by bringing down Phil Foden. Erling Haaland stepped up to score his second goal of the match. City had a one-goal advantage.
This goal came against the run of play. Real Madrid were creating more chances. Then came a moment of error. Ederson gave away the ball in the 86th minute. Real Madrid created a quick counter-attack. Vinicius Junior attempted a shot and Ederson saved it but the ball went into the path of Brahim Diaz. The former Man City player scored against his old club.
Then came a moment of magic. Deep into extra time, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham combined to score the winner. Once again Ederson was caught out of position. Real Madrid won 3-2 and will now play the second leg next week at the Bernabeu.
