Real Madrid vs Manchester City
By Sello Masilo
Jude Bellingham delivered a stoppage-time winner as Real Madrid twice came from behind to defeat Manchester City 3-2 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off showdown on Tuesday night. The reigning European champions now hold a strong advantage heading into next week’s second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Despite Erling Haaland’s brace—his first-ever goals against Madrid—City were left frustrated after a thrilling encounter at the Etihad Stadium, where late errors proved costly.
“It was a weird one. We played some of our best football of the season and ended up behind,” Bellingham told Amazon Prime.“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.”
This marks the fourth consecutive season in which City and Madrid have clashed in the Champions League knockout rounds, with the winner of their previous three meetings going on to lift the trophy.
Haaland Breaks Madrid Curse but City Fall Short
Manchester City initially looked in control after a slow start, finding their rhythm and opening the scoring in the 19th minute.
Jack Grealish delivered a deep pass into the box, which Josko Gvardiol chested down before Haaland steered past Thibaut Courtois to make it 1-0.
Real Madrid responded with attacking intent, Vinicius Junior rattling the crossbar before City defender Manuel Akanji also struck the woodwork with a header.
City appeared set to double their lead early in the second half, but Haaland’s deflected shot rebounded off the post, keeping Madrid within striking distance.
Madrid’s equaliser arrived in controversial fashion on the hour mark. After a blocked free-kick, Dani Ceballos lofted a ball into the box, where Kylian Mbappe mis-hit his volley. The ball looped off his shin and beyond a stranded Ederson to make it 1-1.
City retook the lead with 10 minutes remaining after Phil Foden won a penalty when Ceballos clattered into him. Haaland stepped up and slotted home his second of the night.
Madrid’s Late Comeback Stuns Etihad
City were moments away from a first-leg advantage, but two defensive errors proved costly.
A poor goal-kick from Ederson gifted Madrid possession, allowing former City player Brahim Diaz to capitalise and make it 2-2 in the 86th minute.
The drama wasn’t over yet. Madrid launched a final attack, and when City failed to clear their lines, Bellingham punished them with a clinical finish in stoppage time to snatch victory.
“I don’t know how to put it into words straight away, it’s so raw and frustrating for everyone,” said City defender John Stones.“We need to see games out better. We need to step up when these bad moments happen.”
With the return leg set for the Bernabéu, Madrid are now in a commanding position to reach the last 16, while City must respond quickly to avoid an early exit.
Ousmane Dembélé Shines as PSG Dominate Brest
While Madrid and City delivered a Champions League classic, over in France, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) took a commanding lead in their all-French tie against Brest, securing a 3-0 win.
Ousmane Dembélé continued his sensational form, netting twice as PSG dominated the encounter.
• Vitinha converted a first-half penalty after a VAR-reviewed handball by Brest midfielder Pierre Lees-Melou.
• Brest came close to equalising, with Abdallah Sima hitting the post and Achraf Hakimi nearly scoring an own goal.
• Dembélé doubled PSG’s lead on the stroke of half-time, finishing at the near post after a fluid team move.
• The France international sealed the victory with a deflected strike in the second half, making it 18 goals in his last 11 appearances.
“Ousmane is full of confidence just now,” PSG coach Luis Enrique said.“He was good in 2024 and he is even better in 2025.”
PSG are now strong favourites to advance, with Brest needing a miracle in the return leg.
Juventus Edge PSV Eindhoven in Turin
Meanwhile, Juventus secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven in Turin.
• Weston McKennie blasted the Italian side ahead in the first half.
• Ivan Perisic equalised for PSV after an excellent solo run.
• Samuel Mbangula restored Juve’s lead in the 82nd minute, ensuring a narrow first-leg advantage.
Borussia Dortmund Thrash Sporting Lisbon
In Portugal, Borussia Dortmund moved closer to the last 16 after an emphatic 3-0 victory over Sporting Lisbon.
• Serhou Guirassy opened the scoring with a towering header.
• Pascal Gross doubled the lead, turning in a second-half strike.
• Karim Adeyemi wrapped up the win with a late third goal, giving new coach Niko Kovac a dream start after taking over from Nuri Sahin.
What’s Next? Second-Leg Showdowns Await
With thrilling first-leg ties concluded, the second legs next week promise high-stakes drama.
Key Fixtures to Watch:
• Real Madrid vs Manchester City (Bernabéu) – Will City mount a comeback, or will Madrid finish the job?
• Brest vs PSG – Can Brest pull off a historic turnaround?
• PSV Eindhoven vs Juventus – A tight contest awaits.
• Sporting Lisbon vs Borussia Dortmund – Can Sporting defy the odds?
With Europe’s biggest teams battling for survival, the Champions League knockout rounds are already delivering unforgettable moments.
The road to Wembley Stadium—the 2025 Champions League final venue—remains as unpredictable as ever.
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