Jude Bellingham scored the game-winning goal in injury time as Manchester City lost 3-2 to Real Madrid in the Champions League after letting a 2-1 lead slip. The fact that Kylian Mbappe had to change his boots was the most intriguing aspect of the first ten minutes. Ederson then seemed to have given away a penalty for taking down Vinicius Junior almost immediately after. However, it was decided that the Brazilian attacker was offside. Kylian Mbappe’s chance and a number of other Real Madrid opportunities came next. They looked too good for Manchester City at this point.
Erling Haaland gave Manchester City the lead with his first goal against Real Madrid, despite that early Real Madrid dominance. Jack Grealish chipped the ball into Josko Gvardiol, who then passed it to Haaland, creating the opportunity. The goal stood after a four-minute VAR review. Then, when Vinicius Junior struck the bar, Madrid was unlucky not to equalize. Sadly, Jack Grealish had to leave Manchester City after 30 minutes due to an injury. He was replaced by Phil Foden.
Haaland struck the bar immediately after the restart, proving that Carlo Ancelotti’s halftime remarks to his Real Madrid players were ignored. Madrid continued to play and tied the score at the hour. He seemed to mishit a free kick from Dani Ceballos, but it went in. City went ahead when Dani Ceballlos was adjudged to have fouled Foden in the box. Haaland made no mistake from the spot. It wasn’t enough to win the game. The newly introduced Brahim Diaz equalised for Madrid with six minutes to go. City then collapsed in injury time, when Rico Lewis got caught on the ball. Vinicius Junior chipped it goalwards for Jude Bellingham to slot home the winner.
Match Highlights
Manchester City Player Ratings
Ederson: 5 out of 10.
He needed to stay alert because Real Madrid still had enough offensive talent to make his life difficult at 1-0.
Nathan Ake: 6 out of 10.
Rodrygo’s disassembly in a hazardous area almost resulted in a Madrid equalizer, but they held firm for the most part.
Manuel Akanji: 6.5 out of 10.
Late in the first half, he appeared to have hurt his groin. His absence from the second half served as confirmation of this.
Ruben Dias: 6.5 out of 10.
City, who appeared somewhat lacking in energy as they hobbled towards the full time whistle, needed his experience.
Josko Gvardiol: 8 out of 10.
displayed a number of beautiful touches in City’s attacking areas and was conscientious in his defensive position, making some well-timed tackles.
John Stones: 7 out of 10.
As competent and self-assured as ever with the ball, Stones sought to provide his team with momentum while in possession.
Bernado Silva: 6 out of 10.
The Portuguese international consistently made himself accessible for the ball and was steady and solid, if not exceptional.
Savinho: 5 out of 10.
It wasn’t his night at all. was unable to get in behind Madrid as frequently as he would have wanted, but he didn’t do anything really bad.
6/10 for Kevin De Bruyne
He hinted at moments of brilliance, but not at his explosive best. However, as the game came to an end, they appeared to be lacking in energy.
Jack Grealish: 7 out of 10.
shown his class by putting a good ball in and having Gvardial cushion it to Haaland to start the scoring. Due to an injury, it had to be taken off after 30 minutes.
Erling Haaland: 8 out of 10.
scored a well-taken goal against Real Madrid to break his duck. was also successful at defending corners at the other end of the field. had the guts to step up and score a penalty kick for City to make the score 2-1.
SUB – Phil Foden – 6/10
Came in for Grealish after 30 minutes, but wasn’t able to make as great an impression as his City colleague.
Rico Lewis, SUB – 4/10
came on for Akanji at halftime, and while he initially appeared busy and animated, he committed mistakes in the end.
Mateo Kovacic, SUB – 6/10
came on for Ake to play against his old team.
Ilkay Gundogan, SUB – 5/10
arrived late as the city fell apart.
Omar Marmoush, SUB – 5/10
arrived too late to leave a lasting impression.
Player Ratings for Real Madrid
Courtois Thibaut: 6/10
Haaland’s goal to put Madrid behind 1-0 was not their fault.
6/10 for Federico Valverde
Madrid had a makeshift defensive lineup, so he had to draw on his expertise. He consequently significantly reduced his forward running as the game progressed.
6/10 for Aurelien Tchouameni
As Manchester City put pressure on Madrid’s defense, he had to take a stand, just like his defensive teammates.
Raul Asencio: 6 out of 10.
worked hard to maintain consistency in what was essentially a temporary Real Madrid defense.
Ferland Mendy: 6 out of 10.
had a great chance to put Real Madrid ahead 1-0 while the score was still tied.
Dani Ceballos: 6 out of 10.
sent an inviting pass into the City box so Kylian Mbappe could give Real Madrid the equalizer. but was found to have given City a penalty after fouling Foden inside the box.
8.5 out of 10 for Eduardo Camavinga
Despite seeing himself get on the ball frequently, Real Madrid needed him to play consistently in order to stay in the game, and his influence ultimately paid off handsomely.
Rodrygo: 7 out of 10.
At times, it appeared extremely sharp. was occasionally able to come alive and make things happen out of nothing.
7 out of 10 for Jude Bellingham
Quite silent in an aggressive sense, but obligated to maintain a forceful stance. knew his team was a little weak defensively, so he kept the ball well. With less than 30 minutes remaining, a significant opportunity was lost. but shared the winner’s last laugh.
Junior Vinicius: 6/10
Although he appeared to be a threat to City in attacking areas during the first half, he was jeered by Manchester City supporters after his first touch.
Kylian Mbappe: 7 out of 10.
appeared irritated as they entered at halftime after missing a few chances. Even though it was a mishit, he appeared much happier after scoring Madrid’s equalizer.
SUB – Luka Modric – 6/10
The great Croatian came on in the last 10 minutes, but he wasn’t able to turn the tide.
SUB – Fran Garcia – 5/10
Came on too late to make an effect.
SUB – Brahim Diaz – 6.5/10
Came off the bench and managed to score Madrid’s equaliser, but didn’t do much else.
Man of the Match
Camavinga, Eduardo
Real Madrid desperately needed Eduardo Camavinga’s quality and experience in the midfield. Despite having a strong start to the game, they faltered as City tried to highlight their defensive weaknesses. However, as they fought to stay in the game, Camavinga always appeared confident and at ease with the ball.
They knew they could continue to be a goal threat given their attacking prowess, provided they could maintain a strong midfield defense. Although Camavinga’s leadership was a major factor in the late Real Madrid victory, Mbappe and Bellingham will undoubtedly make the news.
