Manchester City Stuns Real Madrid with Late Comeback in Champions League

Manchester City produced one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent Champions League history, defeating Real Madrid 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie. Trailing 2-0 at halftime, Pep Guardiola's side scored three unanswered goals in the second half, with Erling Haaland netting the winner in the 93rd minute.

Real Madrid dominated the opening 45 minutes through goals from Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham. The Brazilian winger opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a trademark run from the left flank, cutting inside and curling a shot past Ederson. Bellingham doubled the lead just before halftime, capitalizing on a defensive miscommunication to slot home from close range.

Guardiola made tactical adjustments at the break, introducing Jeremy Doku for Nathan Aké and switching to a more aggressive 4-2-3-1 formation. The changes paid immediate dividends as Kevin De Bruyne pulled one back in the 52nd minute with a perfectly placed free kick that nestled into the top corner, giving Thibaut Courtois no chance.

The momentum shifted completely when Phil Foden equalized in the 68th minute, finishing off a flowing move that showcased City's intricate passing combinations. The England international received a clever through ball from Bernardo Silva before rounding Courtois and slotting into an empty net.

Just as the match seemed destined for a draw, Haaland struck in dramatic fashion. The Norwegian striker, who had been largely quiet throughout the match, found himself in the right place at the right time to convert Julian Alvarez's cross with a diving header that sent the Etihad into pandemonium.

The result gives Manchester City a crucial advantage heading into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu in three weeks. However, with Real Madrid's rich Champions League pedigree and home support, the tie remains finely balanced. Carlo Ancelotti's side will take confidence from their dominant first-half performance and will look to overturn the deficit in Madrid.