Venue Etihad Stadium Manchester ,Real Madrid pulled off a stunning three two comeback victory against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League overcoming a two goal deficit in a pulsating clash at the Etihad Stadium
Manchester City started strong with Erling Haaland proving why he remains one of the most feared strikers in Europe The Norwegian forward opened the scoring in the twelfth minute capitalizing on a Kevin De Bruyne assist to slot the ball past Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.
Just ten minutes later Haaland doubled the lead with a powerful header from a Phil Foden corner sending City fans into a frenzy, At this stage it seemed like Pep Guardiola men were cruising towards another Champions League statement win.
Carlo Ancelotti side however showed their trademark resilience ,The comeback started in the fifty sixth minute when Kylian Mbappe who joined Real Madrid last summer fired a low shot past Ederson after a brilliant pass from Jude Bellingham.
The equalizer came in the seventy second minute when substitute Brahim Diaz finished off a slick team move curling the ball into the top corner to silence the home crowd.
With the game seemingly heading towards a draw Real Madrid found the winner in dramatic fashion In the eighty eighth minute Bellingham the standout performer of the night broke free from City defense and calmly slotted the ball home completing an incredible turnaround.
Guardiola attacking approach worked in the first half but Madrid counter attacks exposed City high defensive line,Ancelotti second half substitutions played a crucial role with Brahim Diaz making an immediate impact.
Mbappe pace was a constant threat showing why he is Madrid new talisman
Manchester City now faces a crucial second leg fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu needing a win to keep their Champions League hopes alive Real Madrid meanwhile will look to build on this victory and continue their quest for yet another European crown
Final Score Manchester City Two Three Real Madrid Man City Goals Haaland Twelve Twenty Two Real Madrid Goals Mbappe Fifty Six Diaz Seventy Two Bellingham Eighty Eight.
This match was another classic in the growing rivalry between these two European powerhouses City dominated the first half but Madrid experience and never say die attitude proved decisive With the second leg still to come this tie is far from over.
