Manchester City dominated, controlled the game, and came close to victory. But that means nothing when the opponent wears white and has an unbreakable bond with the Champions League. Real Madrid did what it does best, endured, survived, and, at just the right moment, struck.
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The 3-2 win followed a familiar script. City looked in control, but Real Madrid doesn’t believe in predetermined fates. Twice behind on the scoreboard, they found the strength to turn it around. Brahim leveled the game in the dying minutes, and Bellingham sealed the comeback. The Etihad, once a roaring English fortress, became the stage for another unforgettable Madrid moment.
High press, wasted chances, and a ruthless City
The plan was clear from the start, don’t let City breathe. Real Madrid pressed high and created the first big chances. Vinícius Jr. found Mbappé in space, but the Frenchman couldn’t beat Ederson. Rodrygo and Mendy linked up in another dangerous move, only for Aké to clear it off the line.
City, though, needed just one chance to be deadly. Haaland found the net in the 19th minute, and after four long minutes of VAR review, the goal was confirmed. Real Madrid responded, Vini Jr. struck the crossbar, and Akanji did the same moments later. It was end-to-end chaos, a game that felt like it was building toward something special.
Mbappé levels it, City pulls ahead, and Madrid wakes up
After the break, Real Madrid shifted gears. Mbappé had already tested Ederson twice before finally beating him — an acrobatic finish that sent the ball straight into the net. A well-earned equalizer given the game’s intensity, but City had another trick up its sleeve.
With ten minutes to go, a penalty gave the English side the lead again. Haaland, calm as ever, converted. The clock ticked down, the Etihad roared, and City clung to the advantage. But Real Madrid? This team doesn’t lose until the final whistle blows.
Brahim and Bellingham steal the show in stoppage time
The equalizer came from pure instinct. Vinícius Jr. unleashed a powerful shot, Ederson deflected it, and Brahim pounced. The goal shook City, and Madrid smelled blood.
In added time, Vinícius danced past defenders, lifted the ball over Ederson, and as it looked like it might drift out, Bellingham was there to tap it home. Silence in Manchester. The reigning champions had fallen.
Ancelotti and the sacrifice that made the difference
The Italian manager highlighted his squad’s relentless effort.
"It was a complete game from an offensive perspective, and we showed that with enough sacrifice, anything is possible. Everyone gave their all, and the team’s quality speaks for itself. This is the way."
With a makeshift backline, Madrid had to adapt. Tchouaméni, often criticized, stepped up, and the midfield held strong. Ancelotti didn’t let that go unnoticed.
"The back four had never played together, never even trained together. They were outstanding."
300 Champions League wins and a mystique that defies logic
This wasn’t just any win, it was historic. Real Madrid became the first club to reach 300 victories in the Champions League, further cementing its place as the competition’s undisputed king.
Bayern Munich sits far behind with 241 wins, while Barcelona trails with 209. But Madrid’s dominance isn’t just about numbers — it’s psychological.
The Bernabéu awaits
Nothing is settled yet, but Madrid has something City still lacks—unshakable confidence when it matters most. The second leg will be played at the Santiago Bernabéu, a place where this club’s history comes alive.
Ancelotti is already planning for it: "For the second leg, we need Rüdiger and Alaba, and I believe they’ll be ready."
City will need something extraordinary to turn this around. Madrid? They know they’re just one step away from yet another unforgettable European night.