Real Madrid was fantastic against Manchester City in the first play-off match of the Champions League, triumphing 3-2 at “Etihad Stadium.”
The Madrid side started the match better, threatening the Premier League champion’s goal multiple times.
Kylian Mbappe made some brilliant moves in the 11th minute before firing a shot that was calmly saved by Ederson.
Vinicius Junior also had two golden scoring opportunities, but City’s defense blocked him at the last moment.
Thus, in the 19th minute, Real Madrid was punished when Josko Gvardiol assisted Erling Haaland, who scored for 1-0—the only goal of the first 45 minutes. However, there were many doubts about whether the goal was offside, but VAR confirmed that the Croatian defender was onside.
Vinicius Junior (26’) had another chance to score, but his shot hit the crossbar.
Ten minutes later, Phil Foden, who replaced the injured Jack Grealish, fired a surprising shot, but Thibaut Courtois was alert.
Even Manuel Akanji (37’) tested the Belgian goalkeeper, but Courtois was saved by the post, which stopped the ball.
The second half was even more intense, with three more goals scored.
First, Kylian Mbappe equalized at 1-1 in the 60th minute with a brilliant assist from Dani Ceballos.
The “Royals” continued their beautiful play but were once again unlucky as they conceded another goal.
Manchester City was awarded a penalty, which Haaland converted into a goal in the 80th minute—his second of the match.
However, Brahim Diaz became the turning point for Los Blancos when he scored for 2-2 in the 86th minute, assisted by Vinicius Junior.
Jude Bellingham stunned Manchester City when he put Real Madrid ahead for the first time in the match with an easy goal.
Real Madrid will host Manchester City at the “Santiago Bernabeu,” where it will be determined who advances to the knockout stage of Europe’s biggest club competition.