Manchester City Stuns Real Madrid 3-1 in Champions League Round of 16

Manchester City produced one of their finest European performances under Pep Guardiola, defeating Real Madrid 3-1 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie at the Etihad Stadium. The victory puts City in pole position to advance to the quarter-finals.

The match began with both teams showing mutual respect, but it was City who struck first through Erling Haaland in the 23rd minute. The Norwegian striker, who has been in scintillating form this season, latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from Kevin De Bruyne before slotting home with his trademark precision. The goal marked Haaland's 38th of the season across all competitions.

Real Madrid responded with typical resilience, equalizing just before halftime through Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian winger's pace troubled City's defense throughout the first half, and his goal came after a swift counter-attack that caught the home side off guard. The 1-1 scoreline at the break reflected an evenly contested opening 45 minutes.

The second half belonged entirely to Manchester City. Guardiola's tactical adjustments at halftime proved decisive, with the team pressing higher and creating numerous chances. Phil Foden restored City's lead in the 67th minute with a curling effort from the edge of the penalty area that left Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with no chance.

The decisive moment came in the 81st minute when Bernardo Silva added a third goal following a corner kick scramble. The Portuguese midfielder's close-range finish sent the Etihad Stadium into raptures and gave City a crucial two-goal advantage heading into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Guardiola praised his team's performance post-match, particularly highlighting their intensity and pressing. "We knew we had to be at our absolute best against Real Madrid," he said. "The players showed incredible commitment and quality. But we know the tie is far from over – Real Madrid have shown many times they can turn around difficult situations."

The return leg in Madrid promises to be an epic encounter, with Real Madrid needing to overturn the deficit to advance. City will be confident but aware that no lead is safe against the 15-time European champions.