Man City vs Real Madrid LIVE: Champions League latest...

Jude Bellingham scored a last-gasp winner as Real Madrid came from behind to seal a 3-2 victory over Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League play-off. City led thanks to two goals from Erling Haaland heading into the final 10 minutes of the game before an utter capitulation from Pep Guardiola’s side handed Los Blancos the advantage. Brahim Diaz, a former City player, pounced to equalise in the 86th minute, seemingly rescuing a draw for Real ahead of the second leg in Madrid next week.

Image Credit: Metro [Manchester City v Real Madrid C.F. - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off First Leg]

But more calamitous defending from the hosts allowed Real to strike again, with Vinicius Jr clipping a ball over for Bellingham to tap home from close range. City had taken the lead through Haaland after 19 minutes with Kylian Mbappe drawing level for the visitors on the hour mark. Real’s equaliser had more than an element of luck to it with the ball coming off Mbappe’s shin to beat Ederson in goal.

Image Credit: Metro [FBL-EUR-C1-MAN CITY-REAL MADRID]

Haaland stepped up to put his side back in the lead after Phil Foden was brought down in the box but Real’s fightback leaves them facing the prospect of elimination. It was another disastrous night for Guardiola’s side in a season that has been marred by capitation. City have lost five different matches which they have led across all competitions this season – the same tally they recorded across the previous four campaigns combined.

‘It’s happened many times, if something happens many times it’s because I can’t find a solution,’ Guardiola said post-match. ‘It’s been the year that Madrid have been better, we had a good result in the last few minutes and we let it go. ‘We got the penalty, but the game was pretty even, they had chances like never before here at the Etihad.”. ‘They were better with the ball, we were a bit anxious,” Guardiola continued. “These are things that have happened to us many times during the year.

‘We will try, it is hard mentally, we have tough games left and we will travel to Madrid, we will try to adjust to have a bit more play and get through.’. Arrow MORE: Jamie Carragher blasts ‘ridiculous’ Man City over Vinicius Jr banner. Arrow MORE: Vinicius Jr aims swipe at Man City fans after banner mocking him backfires. Arrow MORE: Wayne Rooney criticises ‘strange’ Man City transfer decision after Real Madrid defeat.