In the closing minutes, Manchester City gave up two goals to Real Madrid, squandering a significant Champions League lead and jeopardizing their chances of qualifying for Europe.
Against the Spanish visitors, Pep Guardiola’s team took the lead twice and was ahead 2-1 with four minutes remaining, but they once again gave up the opportunity to win and now need to overcome a 3-2 deficit to advance to the round of 16.
When Erling Haaland skillfully converted from a chested ball from Josko Gvardiol inside the area, City overcame early Madrid chances to take the lead. After nearly four minutes of a drawn-out VAR check, it was finally confirmed.
After a deft chipped ball over the top, Kylian Mbappe scored from inside the box to give the visitors a one-goal, but Pep Guardiola’s team maintained their lead after the half.
At that point, Madrid was ahead, but with ten minutes remaining, City took the lead again after Phil Foden was sent off in the area and Haaland scored with assurance.
It appeared as though City would have a significant lead going into the Spanish capital, but there was a last-minute twist when Ederson’s shoddy clearance was intercepted and the ball eventually found former Blue Brahim Diaz to tie the score.
And after Madrid took advantage of some slack home defense, Jude Bellingham scored with nearly the final kick of the match, stroking home into an open net, leaving time for further City misery.
The Spaniards will have the upper hand going into the rematch on Wednesday.
Pep sums up City issue
According to Pep Guardiola, if Manchester City hopes to win more trophies this season, everyone must get better.
After yet another late collapse, the Blues are now 90 minutes away from elimination from the Champions League and have not been good enough to protect their Premier League title. In the first leg of their play-off, City lost 3-2 as two goals from Real Madrid broke hearts late in the game.
Guardiola wasn’t in the mood to highlight the team’s performance after they had blown another chance to win, and Real Madrid was the latest in a long line of clubs to whom City had given up a lead.
Vini Jr on banner
Vinicius Jr. claimed that being made fun of by a Manchester City banner before the Champions League match at the Etihad inspired him to perform better.
Supporters in the South Stand displayed a huge poster featuring Rodri holding the Ballon d’Or and the Oasic line “Stop crying your heart out” as the teams emerged for the first leg of their playoff match. Real Madrid’s choice to skip the awards when they knew Vinicius would not win was viewed as disrespectful by the Blues, who were extremely proud of the Spaniard for being the first City player to win the game’s largest individual accolade.
In addition to energizing the home crowd for the match, the banner gave Vinicius a boost. The Brazilian attacker contributed to two goals and frequently threatened the City defense. He then prodded the ball past the City keeper for Jude Bellingham to score the game-winning goal in injury time after Ederson parried his effort into Brahim Diaz’s path to make it 2-2.
More from Pep
Although it was a tight day, we did get several opportunities.
We give away a lot of games toward the end. It’s really challenging at that level. This is not the first time; it occurs frequently.
Similar sections have errors. It is challenging to control, although it does occur frequently.
Players make snap decisions that occasionally work and occasionally don’t. We had the outcome in the last minute, but we were unable to maintain it.
It is not only for the athletes; it is for all of us. Accepting that it doesn’t work the way it used to doesn’t bother me. We are all involved.
The truth is that we are not solid enough at the present, even though they desire it and that’s how they run and do it. In the end, today is what it is, and we must keep learning after tomorrow.
We performed a ton of excellent things. What it is is the outcome. We did a lot of excellent things, of sure, but we can always do better and give the opposition credit for their abilities.
Guardiola reacts
This season, it frequently occurs. I am aware of Real Madrid’s caliber. We attempted to attack too quickly and won the game in the second half. It occurs as a result of their outstanding teamwork.
This season, it occurs frequently. Just bad choices. I accept it. It’s about everyone, not just you and me. Yes, those are the only season-related ailments. However, we are aware of it.
It’s difficult now, of course. We must get better. I’ll visit the Bernabeu after thinking about Newcastle.
Thibaut Courtois has his say
These are always hard games against them. Two teams who really wanted it. I felt today we were better than them and we deserved to win.
We created a lot of chances, I felt we could win. The team wanted it a lot. We went for every ball, that is the spirit we need to beat a team like Manchester City. We are only halfway there.
John Stones has his say
It’s so raw and frustrating for everyone that I’m not sure how to express it right now.
We played until the very end, and then two things happened, and we gave up. As a defender, it is frustrating to arrive to that conclusion.
It’s a sense of irritation and rage.
We must improve the way games are played. I believe we take responsibility for our actions on the field, as the manager stated. When these negative times occur, we must step up.
