Jude Bellingham delivered a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Real Madrid edged Manchester City 3-2 in a thrilling first leg of their Champions League knockout tie on Tuesday at the Etihad Stadium. The victory handed the defending champions a crucial advantage heading into the second leg in Madrid.

In a match filled with twists and turns, Erling Haaland twice put Manchester City ahead, ending his five-game goal drought against Real Madrid. However, the Spanish giants fought back each time, with Kylian Mbappé and Brahim Díaz leveling the score before Bellingham’s decisive 92nd-minute strike sealed the win.

The result leaves City with a daunting task as they prepare for the second leg on February 19 in Madrid. The two European heavyweights have met in the Champions League for the fourth consecutive season, with the winner of each of their last three encounters going on to lift the trophy.

The match was not short of subplots, either. Real Madrid’s decision to boycott last year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, where City’s Rodri was crowned the winner, added an extra layer of tension. Rodri had been recognized for his pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and City’s fourth straight Premier League title. However, Madrid took offense at Vinicius Junior being overlooked for the award and withdrew all their representatives from the event.

Historically, Real Madrid have struggled at the Etihad, conceding four goals in two of their last three visits. But this time, they turned the tables, showcasing their resilience and quality when it mattered most. Bellingham, making a memorable return to England, was the hero of the night, leaving City with a mountain to climb in the second leg.