In a pulsating UEFA Champions League clash on Tuesday, Jude Bellingham’s stoppage-time winner propelled Real Madrid to a 3-2 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. The Spanish giants twice battled back from behind in the first leg of this blockbuster play-off tie.
Manchester City struck first in the 19th minute when Erling Haaland guided Josko Gvardiol’s chested pass beyond Thibaut Courtois. The Norwegian forward doubled his tally from the penalty spot late in the game after Phil Foden was fouled by Dani Ceballos.
However, Real Madrid showcased their resilience. Vinícius Júnior rattled the crossbar, signaling Madrid’s intent. On the hour mark, after a deflected free-kick, Dani Ceballos delivered a cross that led to a mishit volley by Kylian Mbappé, which looped over Ederson to level the score.
Former City player Brahim Díaz then capitalized on a poor clearance by Ederson to equalize again in the 86th minute. With the game seemingly headed for a draw, Bellingham seized on a defensive lapse to fire home the winner, giving Real Madrid a crucial advantage ahead of the return leg in Spain.
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain asserted their dominance with a 3-0 win over Brest in an all-French encounter. Vitinha opened the scoring from the penalty spot after a VAR review confirmed a handball by Pierre Lees-Melou. Ousmane Dembélé continued his impressive form, netting twice—once just before halftime and again in the second half with the help of a deflection.
Elsewhere, Juventus edged PSV Eindhoven 2-1 in Turin. Weston McKennie put the Italians ahead before Ivan Perišić equalized for the visitors. Samuel Mbangula secured the win for Juventus late in the game. Borussia Dortmund moved closer to the last 16 with a convincing 3-0 victory over Sporting CP, thanks to goals from Sehrou Guirassy, Pascal Groß, and Karim Adeyemi.
