In a dramatic Champions League clash, Jude Bellingham netted a last-gasp goal to give Real Madrid a pivotal 3-2 aggregate lead over Manchester City in their playoff. Pep Guardiola took a risk with his lineup, selecting five centre-backs, with John Stones in midfield and Manuel Akanji playing at right-back.
Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Dani Ceballos (formerly of Arsenal) started for Real Madrid. The match began at a rapid pace, with Madrid creating early opportunities. Vinicius thought he had won a penalty after being fouled by Ederson, but the flag was up for offside, and the decision was overturned.
The opening goal came in the 19th minute when Erling Haaland finished a well-worked team move involving Josko Gvardiol and Jack Grealish. After a VAR check, the goal was confirmed. Grealish was forced off in the 30th minute due to injury and replaced by Phil Foden. Real Madrid continued to push but couldn’t score before halftime, and City started the second half stronger, with Haaland striking the crossbar early.
Around the 60th minute, Madrid pulled level when Kylian Mbappe mishit a volley, catching Ederson by surprise to make it 1-1. City regained the lead soon after when Haaland converted a penalty following a foul by Ceballos on Foden inside the box.
Madrid fought back once more, with Brahim Diaz pouncing on a rebound to level the score at 2-2. In the final moments of the game, Ederson made a crucial mistake when he misjudged a challenge on Vinicius. The Brazilian lobbed him, and Bellingham was there to finish from close range, sealing the victory for Madrid.
The tie will be decided in the second leg at the Bernabeu next Wednesday.
