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Champions League Round of 16 Delivers Historic Comeback Victory

Carlos Mendez
Carlos Mendez
Soccer Correspondent
9:19 AM
SOCCER
Champions League Round of 16 Delivers Historic Comeback Victory
Manchester City stages remarkable second-leg turnaround to advance to quarterfinals in dramatic fashion.

Manchester City orchestrated one of the most memorable comebacks in Champions League history last night, overturning a three-goal deficit to defeat Bayern Munich 4-3 on aggregate and advance to the quarterfinals. The Etihad Stadium witnessed scenes of pure euphoria as Pep Guardiola's side scored four unanswered goals in the second half of their Round of 16 second leg.

Trailing 3-0 from the first leg in Munich, City needed a miracle, and they got exactly that. The turning point came in the 52nd minute when Erling Haaland converted from close range, followed by a stunning long-range effort from Kevin De Bruyne just eight minutes later. The Belgian midfielder's 25-yard strike flew past Manuel Neuer and sparked belief throughout the stadium.

Phil Foden completed the comeback with two goals in the space of four minutes, the second coming in the 89th minute to send the Manchester crowd into delirium. His winner, a perfectly placed header from a Jack Grealish cross, capped off what many are calling the greatest European night in the club's recent history.

"I've been in football for many years, but nights like this remind you why we love this beautiful game," Guardiola said in his post-match interview. "The players showed incredible character, incredible heart. This is what Champions League football is all about."

Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel was left to rue his team's defensive collapse, particularly in the final 30 minutes when City's relentless pressure proved too much to handle. The German giants, who seemed destined for the quarterfinals, must now focus on their domestic campaign.

City's remarkable comeback joins the pantheon of legendary Champions League performances and sets up an intriguing quarterfinal draw next Friday. With this kind of momentum and belief, Guardiola's team will be feared by every remaining club in the competition.

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