UCL: Bellingham’s last-minute strike seals 3-2 comeback win for Real Madrid against Man City

Jude Bellingham was the hero at the Etihad Stadium as Real Madrid staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Manchester City 3-2 in the first leg of their Champions League play-off on Tuesday night.

City took the lead twice through Erling Haaland, but Madrid responded with goals from Kylian Mbappe and Brahim Diaz, before Bellingham struck in stoppage time to snatch victory for the Spanish giants.

Haaland’s Double Not Enough for City

Haaland, who had failed to score in his previous encounters against Madrid, opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a composed finish after a Josko Gvardiol assist.

However, Madrid responded with relentless attacks, hitting the crossbar through Vinicius Junior before eventually finding the equalizer through Mbappe, whose deflected shot looped past Ederson in the 60th minute.

City regained the lead when Phil Foden won a penalty, and Haaland stepped up to convert from the spot, putting the Premier League champions 2-1 ahead.

Madrid’s Late Comeback Stuns City

With just minutes remaining, Madrid turned the game on its head. Substitute Brahim Diaz made an immediate impact, firing home after Ederson parried Vinicius’ shot into his path.

As City scrambled to hold on, Madrid capitalized on another defensive lapse, with Bellingham pouncing on a loose ball to score in the 92nd minute, securing a crucial away win for Carlo Ancelotti’s men.

Second Leg Showdown Awaits

The result leaves Manchester City with an uphill battle when the two sides meet again at the Santiago Bernabeu on February 19. With Madrid now holding a slight advantage, Pep Guardiola’s side must produce a big performance to keep their Champions League hopes alive.