Man City Crumble as Real Madrid Pull Off Comeback

Manchester City suffered a gut-wrenching 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout tie on Tuesday, 11 February, despite leading twice through striker Erling Haaland.

Pep Guardiola’s men looked in control heading into the final minutes, but Jude Bellingham’s stoppage-time late strike stunned spectators at Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, and handed Madrid the advantage.

The Citizens started brightly, with Haaland breaking his Madrid goal drought to open the scoring. However, Kylian Mbappe’s fortunate second-half equaliser kept the visitors in the game.

Haaland restored Man City’s lead from the penalty spot after Phil Foden was fouled, but Real Madrid’s resilience proved too much. Brahim Diaz capitalised on an Ederson error at the 86th minute, before Bellingham struck the decisive blow, exposing City’s defensive frailties once again.

A frustrated John Stones admitted the team lacked composure, while Guardiola conceded they were “not stable enough” in crucial moments. With the second leg in Spain looming next week, the Citizens face a daunting task against a Madrid side that thrives under pressure.

History suggests the winner of this tie often goes on to lift the trophy – but at this rate, City’s hopes of defending their title are fading fast.

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