Manchester City fans unveiled a tifo before the game, showing Rodri kissing the Ballon d’Or trophy. The display taunted Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior, who placed second in 2024 voting. Oasis lyrics “Stop Crying Your Heart Out” accompanied the banner. Erling Haaland gave City an early lead in the 19th minute. Josko Gvardiol chested the ball, and Haaland converted the assist. The goal survived a VAR offside review.
Kylian Mbappe equalized for Real Madrid in the 60th minute with an unusual finish. The ball looped off his shin from a free kick. It sailed over Ederson into the net. Haaland restored City’s lead in the 80th minute via penalty. Phil Foden won the spot-kick after a foul by Dani Ceballos. Haaland sent Thibaut Courtois the wrong way. Brahim Diaz leveled the score at 2-2 in the 86th minute. Jude Bellingham scored in the 93rd minute to complete the comeback.
Despite boos from City fans, Vinícius Júnior shone brightly, earning the Man of the Match award. He assisted Bellingham’s winning goal in stoppage time. Vinícius also helped set up Diaz’s equalizer earlier. Real Madrid secured a 3-2 victory in the first leg. The teams will meet again at Santiago Bernabeu for the second leg. Real Madrid now holds the edge to progress in the Champions League playoffs.
