Jude Bellingham’s late strike rocks Man City as Real Madrid take first-leg lead

Jude Bellingham grabbed a late winner as Manchester City twice surrendered the lead to lose the first leg of their Champions League play-off against Real Madrid 3-2.

Erling Haaland put City ahead in each half in a thrilling contest at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday but the holders replied through Kylian Mbappe and substitute Brahim Diaz.

Both sides hit the woodwork in a game of numerous chances but it was England international Bellingham who had the final say in stoppage time.

The game lived up to its pre-match billing as the two European heavyweights – winners of the competition for the last three seasons – clashed for a place in the last 16.

It is the fourth season in succession the sides have been paired in the knockout stages and the stage is set for another epic clash at the Bernabeu Stadium next week.

After all their injury problems at centre-back this season, City manager Pep Guardiola managed to field five players who would consider that position their first choice.

Manuel Akanji and Josko Gvardiol played the full-back roles either side of fit-again Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias, while John Stones took up the midfield position in which he excelled in the 2023 treble-winning campaign.

This back line soon had their work cut out as Madrid created a succession of chances in the space of just a few minutes early on.

The home supporters had greeted the visitors with a huge banner referencing Real’s boycott of last year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in protest at City midfielder Rodri’s crowning ahead of their own Vinicius Junior.

“Stop Crying Your Heart Out,” the wording read, alongside a picture of the now-injured Rodri kissing his trophy.

It appeared this might have inspired Vinicius as the Brazilian was at the heart of Real’s