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Jude Bellingham’s stoppage-time goal sealed a stunning comeback for Real Madrid and a 3-2 lead in their UEFA Champions League playoff against Manchester City.
UEFA Champions League: Jude Bellingham celebrates Real Madrid’s win over Manchester City (AP)
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was full of praise for his side’s efforts after they put in a well-rounded display in fighting back to win 3-2 at Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League knockout phase playoff on Tuesday.
In six frantic minutes at the end of a breathless first leg Tuesday, the Spanish giant scored twice to take a precious advantage into next week’s match at the Bernabeu.
City led 2-1 after 80 minutes at the Etihad Stadium through goals in each half from Erling Haaland. But Brahim Diaz and then Bellingham silenced the home crowd and extend a sorry record for City that has seen it concede seven goals in the last 15 minutes of Champions League games this season.
Ancelotti was delighted to finally lead Real to their first success at the Etihad Stadium, a victory he thought was deserved due to the chances created, with Real having 20 shots compared to 11 from City, despite falling behind twice.
Kylian Mbappe and Brahim Diaz cancelled out a double from City’s Erling Haaland with Jude Bellingham striking a last-gasp winner to give the holders an edge in the tie.
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“I think it was a complete game in all aspects, beyond criticism from my part,” Ancelotti told Movistar Plus.
“Everyone worked hard. We had a lot of chances. We didn’t give up when we were behind. It was a well-rounded, unblemished performance. I think we deserved the win.
“We defended well, with a compact block … they took the lead with a penalty but up front our players were very effective. They could have been a bit more accurate, but they generated a lot of chances with mobility, teamwork and individual quality.”
Ancelotti was not surprised his side were able to deliver such a performance but played down their advantage, urging them to keep focused and not be overconfident in the second leg.
“The result is a trick result. You’ve won, it can make you lower your arms, believe that you don’t have to come back and we can’t fall into that trap,” the Italian added.
“You have to prepare well, as we did today, with the same focus, quality and sacrifice, just like tonight, which was a great performance.
“Now is when the season starts for real and despite the difficulty we faced playing at a very hard place to visit we were able to earn a very good result.”
(With inputs from Agencies)
