In a night of high drama and breathtaking football at the Etihad Stadium, Real Madrid showcased their resilience and European pedigree by pulling off a stunning 3-2 victory over Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie on Tuesday. Jude Bellingham emerged as the hero, netting a dramatic stoppage-time winner to cap off a night of relentless determination from Los Blancos.

The game kicked off with Manchester City asserting their dominance early on. Erling Haaland, ever the thorn in any defence, opened the scoring with a clinical finish, sending the home crowd into raptures. City’s early lead, however, was met with the calmness and composure that has become synonymous with Real Madrid in European competition.

Kylian Mbappe, making his mark in his first season with the Spanish giants, levelled the score with a brilliant strike that silenced the Etihad. His pace and precision left City’s defence scrambling, reminding everyone why Madrid were so eager to secure his signature.

But Pep Guardiola’s men were not to be deterred. Early in the second half, City regained the lead when Haaland coolly converted from the penalty spot after a controversial handball decision. The Etihad erupted once more, believing their side had regained control of the tie.

However, Real Madrid’s fighting spirit shone through yet again. Brahim Diaz, the former City player, came back to haunt his old club with a spectacular goal, threading the ball past Ederson after a dazzling solo run. His celebration was muted, but the significance of the goal was clear—it was game on.

As the clock ticked into stoppage time, it seemed both sides would settle for a draw, but Jude Bellingham had other ideas. The young English midfielder, playing in front of a familiar crowd, delivered a crushing blow to City with a composed finish in the dying moments of the match. His goal not only secured a famous win but also tilted the tie heavily in Madrid’s favor ahead of the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.

This victory once again highlights Real Madrid’s unyielding mentality in Europe. Despite facing one of the most formidable teams in the world on their own turf, Los Blancos showed why they are 15-time European champions. With the second leg to come in Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti’s men will feel confident about finishing the job and advancing further in their quest for yet another Champions League title.