Are the Champions League masters at it again?

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Manchester City 2 - 3 Real Madrid

The best team in Europe displayed their qualities once again

Author - Jamie P

From across Europe - UCL ~ City v Real Madrid

Real Madrid may not yet be at their imperious best, but they still possess the craft and know-how to navigate most Champions League challenges. This is the stage of the season where they truly come to life.

Carlo Ancelotti, usually the picture of calm, was visibly animated at times as his side spurned a series of chances. Madrid carried a constant threat, pressing and probing throughout.

When Kylian Mbappé levelled with a scruffy finish, the serial winners sensed weakness and went for City’s throat. But just as the momentum seemed to be shifting decisively, Erling Haaland’s late penalty looked to have derailed them.

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No matter. Madrid, more experienced than anyone in these moments, sensed City’s fatigue and pounced. Jude Bellingham’s last-gasp winner was the kind of moment that defines them in this competition—a ruthless, instinctive strike to break City hearts.

Ancelotti, who has seen and done it all, watched his side produce the sort of result that has become their calling card. As long as they remain in the Champions League, they remain one of its most formidable forces.

Madrid’s self-belief at the Bernabéu is unshakable, even when chasing a deficit in a tournament they treat as their own. Given City’s current state, it is hard to see how they turn this around.

Fan reaction

A member of the UK Real Madrid Supporters Group was delighted with the result and the fightback on display by the away side. They told us: "We didn't deserve to be down 1-2. We played very well, creating dangerous opportunities and defending strongly. Ultimately, the victory was deserved. We must remain calm; this is only the first half, and anything can happen at the Bernabéu."

Miguel, another fan, added: "When we go 2-1 down, there’s never any doubt—we always believe we can turn it around.There have been tough moments this season when we haven’t made the most of those opportunities, like against Atlético and Barcelona, but tonight was different. City made two mistakes, and Bellingham punished them. That’s what this team does."

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