Jude Bellingham’s Stoppage-Time Winner Seals Real Madrid’s 3-2 Victory Over Man City in Champions League Thriller

MANCHESTER: In a thrilling Champions League play-off first leg at the Etihad on Tuesday, Real Madrid secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Manchester City, with Jude Bellingham scoring the decisive stoppage-time winner.

Manchester City took the lead twice through Erling Haaland—marking his first goals in five games against Madrid. However, the Spanish side rallied back, with Kylian Mbappe and Brahim Diaz each finding the net to level the contest. Bellingham then sealed the win in the 92nd minute on his return to England.

Reflecting on the match, Bellingham said, “It was a weird one. We played some of our best football of the season and ended up behind. I don’t care what form City are in; they are still an unbelievable team. It’s always tricky to play against them, and we finally took the chance at the end.”

Manchester City now face a monumental challenge to advance to the last 16 when they meet Real Madrid again in the Spanish capital on February 19. City defender John Stones expressed his frustration: “It’s a feeling of anger and frustration. We need to see games out better. The manager said we need to take accountability for what we do on the pitch. We need to step up when these bad moments happen.”

This encounter marked the fourth consecutive season in which the two clubs have clashed in the Champions League, with the winners of the previous three meetings ultimately lifting the trophy.