Jude Bellingham secured a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Real Madrid twice came from behind to defeat Manchester City 3-2 in the first leg of their Champions League playoff at the Etihad.

Erling Haaland ended his goal drought against Madrid by scoring twice, giving City the lead on both occasions. 

However, the defending champions responded with goals from Kylian Mbappe and Brahim Diaz before Bellingham sealed the victory in the 92nd minute on his return to England.

City now face a daunting challenge to reach the last 16 when the teams clash again in Madrid on February 19.

This marked the fourth consecutive season the clubs have met in the Champions League, with the past three winners of their encounters going on to lift the trophy. 

Adding to the tension, Madrid’s decision to boycott City midfielder Rodri’s Ballon d’Or coronation last year further fueled the rivalry. Rodri was honored for his pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and City’s fourth straight Premier League title.

However, the Spanish giants took umbrage at Vinicius Junior being overlooked for the prize and pulled out all of their representatives from the ceremony in October.

A huge banner before kickoff showed Rodri with the Ballon d’Or trophy alongside the lyric “Stop crying your heart out” from the City-supporting band Oasis.

Rodri’s absence since September with a season-ending knee injury has played a major role in City’s decline this season as the English champions sit 15 points off the pace in the Premier League.

Source: Al Jazeera 

BDST: 1238 HRS, FEB 12, 2025
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