Pep Guardiola had made the point that it was “impossible” to control Real Madrid’s front four. You can only hold out for so long against them, the Manchester City manager suggested. They tend to find a way. This Madrid victory was built on their cut and thrust up front, the slickness of their bursts, the sheer speed of them.
For a good while, it felt as though Erling Haaland would be the story; another striker who is not in the business of being shackled. The City No 9 had drawn blanks in all four of his previous Champions League ties against Madrid. He had a point to prove and he proved it, twice putting his team in front, the second for 2-1 coming from the penalty spot after Phil Foden, on as a substitute, had been fouled by Dani Ceballos.
Written by David Hytner at the Etihad Stadium
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/feb/11/manchester-city-real-madrid-champions-league-playoff-first-leg-match-report under the title “Real Madrid’s Bellingham settles thriller to leave Manchester City on ropes”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
