Real Madrid beat Manchester City in a stunning comeback
Turning around, falling behind, winning in drama! It seems that such incidents are happening most often with Real Madrid in recent times. This time, the Galacticos once again witnessed a thrilling victory. Carlo Ancelotti’s men overcame the fear of losing against Manchester City in the first leg of the Champions League play-offs and won 3-2.
Real won by sending the ball into the Manchester City net twice in the last six minutes of the match. At the same time, the defending champions made some progress in the fight to reach the last sixteen of the season. However, despite somehow surviving the first round of the new-style Champions League, Pep Guardiola’s men went to the exit door with this loss.
After Erling Haaland put Manchester City ahead at the start at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night, Kylian Mbappe restored parity in the second half. The hosts took the lead again with Haaland’s second goal from the penalty spot. After a late substitution, Brahim Diaz equalised before Jude Bellingham equalised in stoppage time.
Manchester City had their first real chance in the 19th minute. Holland passed to Jack Grealish and entered the box. Grealish’s cross was chested down by Yosho Verdiol, and Holland found the target with a volley from the corner of the six-yard box. After nearly four minutes of VAR review, the referee blew the whistle for a goal. The Etihad erupted in jubilation once again.
Real equalised in the 60th minute after the break with a bizarre goal from Kylian Mbappe. After their free-kick was blocked by the defence, Mbappe could not volley Dani Ceballos’ cross properly, but the ball found the net.
The hosts took the lead again in the 80th minute with a successful spot-kick from Holland. The referee awarded a penalty for a foul on Foden in the box by Ceballos.
Meanwhile, Brahim replaced Rodrigo in the 84th minute. He scored within two minutes to equalize the team. Brahim sent the ball into the net after Vinicius’ shot was blocked by Ederson. And in the second minute of three minutes of added time, Bellingham gave Real victory. Real attacked from a blunder by Manchester City . Vinicius eluded Ederson, who came forward from outside the box, and passed the ball to the far post, who ran and slid it into the net.
The return leg will be on February 19, and another breathtaking battle awaits the two teams, who have faced each other in the Champions League for four consecutive seasons.
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