Manchester City's Late Collapse Against Real Madrid in Champions League

2025-03-01

Manchester City suffered a dramatic late collapse to lose 2-3 against Real Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off tie at the Etihad Stadium. Despite leading twice through Erling Haaland’s brace, City were undone by two late goals from Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham, leaving them with a mountain to climb in the second leg at the Bernabeu.

Haaland opened the scoring in the 19th minute after a well-worked move involving Jack Grealish and Josko Gvardiol. The Norwegian striker doubled his tally from the penalty spot in the 80th minute, following a foul on Phil Foden. However, Real Madrid, who had equalised through Kylian Mbappe’s scuffed volley in the 60th minute, struck back in the dying moments. Diaz, a former City player, levelled in the 86th minute before Bellingham sealed the win in stoppage time, capitalising on a defensive error to tap into an empty net.

Pep Guardiola’s side, who have struggled defensively this season, were left to rue missed opportunities and lapses in concentration. Guardiola admitted his team’s inability to manage key moments has been a recurring issue this campaign. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti praised his team’s character and defensive resilience, particularly given the makeshift nature of their backline.

The result leaves Manchester City facing an uphill battle to progress in the competition, with the second leg set to take place in Madrid next week. Real Madrid, known for their Champions League pedigree, will be confident of finishing the job at home.

Man City vs Real Madrid LIVE: Champions League result and reaction

Manchester City 2-3 Real Madrid: Jude Bellingham struck in stoppage time to snatch a first-leg advantage in the play-off tie

www.independent.co.uk

Man City vs Real Madrid: Champions League latest result and reaction - LIVE

Man City led 2-1 with four minutes of normal time remaining but collapsed late on

www.standard.co.uk

Manchester City vs Real Madrid: UEFA Champions League stats & head-to-head

Follow live text commentary, score updates and match stats from Manchester City vs Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League

www.bbc.com

Manchester City 2-3 Real Madrid: Champions League playoff round, first leg – as it happened

Jude Bellingham’s injury-time winner shattered an ailing Manchester City, who led twice through Erling Haaland

www.theguardian.com

Man City would accept ‘£40m’ Nico O’Reilly offer - Stefan Borson

Football Insider has been told by Stefan Borson Man City would accept a £40million offer for Nico O'Reilly.

www.footballinsider247.com

FA Cup fifth-round draw: Manchester City to host Plymouth

Manchester City will host Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

www.bbc.com

FA Cup fifth round draw: Man Utd and Man City learn next opponents

FA Cup fifth round draw

metro.co.uk

Man Utd make SHOCK move for ex-Man City superstar

www.footballtransfers.com

Report: Man United eye incredible move for player who left Man City in 2024

Man United are considering a move for former Man City right-back Joao Cancelo who now plays in the Saudi Arabian league for Al-Hilal.

www.caughtoffside.com

Manchester United eyeing shock deal for ex-Manchester City star Joao Cancelo - Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person

Manchester United have set their sights on former Manchester City full-back Joao…

thepeoplesperson.com

What Champions League elimination will mean for Man City's financial future

City’s answer to their problems? Spend, spend, spend – then spend some more

inews.co.uk

Former NUFC midfielder spotted at Man City ahead of official appointment

Former Newcastle United midfielder Hugo Viana has visited Manchester City this week ahead of his official appointment as the club’s new director of fo

www.shieldsgazette.com

Jack Grealish 'angry' at Man City situation amid Real Madrid surprise

Jack Grealish's situation at Man City has been assessed ahead of his side's Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

www.footballinsider247.com

Jack Grealish: Man City boss Pep Guardiola challenges forward to win first team place

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola challenges Jack Grealish to prove him wrong and cement a first-team place after his FA Cup performance against L

www.bbc.com