Real Madrid Score Twice in Final Five Minutes to Secure First-Leg Lead at the Etihad
Real Madrid pulled off a stunning late comeback to defeat Manchester City 3-2 in the first leg of their Champions League play-off at the Etihad.
Pep Guardiola’s side looked set to take a 2-1 lead into the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, but late goals from Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham turned the game on its head. Madrid now holds the advantage heading into next week’s decisive clash in Spain.
Match Summary: Real Madrid’s Late Heroics Stun Man City
First Half: City Dominate but Madrid Stay Dangerous
- Early Pressure from Madrid:
- Kylian Mbappe forced an early save from Ederson.
- Ferland Mendy’s shot was brilliantly blocked by Nathan Ake.
- City Strike First (1-0, Haaland – 24′):
- A fantastic team move ended with Erling Haaland scoring his first-ever goal against Real Madrid.
- City controlled the game with their tactical setup, overloading central areas and pressing Madrid effectively.
- Madrid Miss Big Chances:
- Mbappe fired wildly over when left unmarked in the box.
- Jude Bellingham headed wide just before halftime.
Second Half: Chaos Unfolds
- Madrid Equalize (1-1, Mbappe – 56′):
- The French superstar sliced a volley into the net after City’s defense failed to clear their lines.
- City Restore the Lead (2-1, Haaland – 72′ Penalty):
- Dani Ceballos fouled Phil Foden inside the box.
- Haaland coolly converted from the spot to score his second of the night.
Late Madrid Comeback Shocks Etihad
- Diaz Levels (2-2, 89′):
- A poor Ederson clearance gifted Madrid an attack.
- Vinicius Junior’s shot was parried into Brahim Diaz’s path, who slotted home.
- Bellingham’s Last-Minute Winner (3-2, 90+4′):
- Vinicius attempted a mis-hit lob, but Bellingham pounced to tap home the dramatic winner.
The Etihad fell silent as Madrid celebrated a famous victory.
Player Ratings
Manchester City (4-2-3-1)
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| GK: Ederson | 6.7 |
| RB: Manuel Akanji | 6.9 |
| CB: Ruben Dias | 5.7 |
| CB: Nathan Ake | 6.8 |
| LB: Josko Gvardiol | 7.5 |
| DM: John Stones | 6.5 |
| RM: Savinho | 6.9 |
| CM: Bernardo Silva | 6.2 |
| CM: Kevin De Bruyne | 6.2 |
| LM: Jack Grealish | 6.2 |
| ST: Erling Haaland | 8.6 ⭐ (MOTM) |
Key Substitutes:
- Phil Foden (30′ for Grealish) – 7.5
- Rico Lewis (46′ for Akanji) – 5.6
- Mateo Kovacic (61′ for Ake) – 5.1
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1)
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| GK: Thibaut Courtois | 6.5 |
| RB: Federico Valverde | 7.2 |
| CB: Aurelien Tchouameni | 7.1 |
| CB: Raul Asencio | 7.5 |
| LB: Ferland Mendy | 6.6 |
| CM: Eduardo Camavinga | 7.1 |
| CM: Dani Ceballos | 7.5 |
| AM: Jude Bellingham | 8.4 |
| RW: Rodrygo | 7.3 |
| ST: Kylian Mbappe | 8.1 |
| LW: Vinicius Junior | 8.2 |
Key Substitutes:
- Brahim Diaz (85′ for Rodrygo) – N/A
- Luka Modric (81′ for Ceballos) – N/A
Tactical Talking Points
1. Pep’s Bold Selection: Five Defenders Didn’t Stop Madrid
- Guardiola deployed five centre-backs, shifting John Stones into midfield.
- City dominated for stretches but faded late, allowing Madrid’s superstars to take over.
2. Vinicius Junior’s Silent Revenge
- Madrid fans were furious when Rodri won the Ballon d’Or over Vinicius.
- City fans displayed a banner mocking Vinicius before the game.
- The Brazilian had the last laugh, playing a role in both late goals.
3. Another Champions League Meltdown for City
- City has now lost five games this season after leading.
- This marks yet another European collapse for Guardiola’s side.
What’s Next?
Second Leg – Santiago Bernabeu (February 19, 2025)
- Real Madrid has the advantage but expect City to fight back.
- Can Guardiola’s men overcome their Champions League demons?
- Or will Madrid’s European magic continue?
Prediction for the second leg: Real Madrid 2-2 Man City (Madrid advance 5-4 on aggregate).
