- Jude Bellingham’s injury-time goal gives Real Madrid the edge in a tense first-leg clash.
- Erling Haaland’s brace, including a penalty, keeps Manchester City in contention.
- Real Madrid head into next week’s return leg at The Bernabeu as firm favourites.
Manchester City’s Champions League hopes hang in the balance after Jude Bellingham’s dramatic injury-time winner gave Real Madrid the edge in a tense first-leg play-off.
Pep Guardiola’s side started strongly at the Etihad, with Jack Grealish and Josko Gvardiol linking up to set up Erling Haaland for a composed finish in the 19th minute.
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However, City’s momentum took a hit when Grealish limped off injured, and despite Haaland rattling the bar early in the second half, Real Madrid gradually took control.
Kylian Mbappe leveled the score on the hour mark with a scrappy close-range finish, and while Real squandered multiple chances—including two from Bellingham—City capitalized when Haaland converted an 80th-minute penalty after Dani Ceballos fouled Phil Foden.
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The Spanish giants refused to relent, with former City player Brahim Diaz equalizing with four minutes left before Bellingham sealed a crucial victory, slotting home from close range to put Real in command ahead of next week’s decisive second leg at the Bernabeu.
