By Alex Al-Kazzaz
Manchester City was convinced that they had the game won. However, a one-goal lead is NEVER safe. In the 80th minute of this Champions League knock-out playoff game, a Manchester City 2-1 lead soon ended in a 3-2 loss to Real Madrid. Real Madrid proves once again that they make a statement when doubted and/or underestimated.
How did it happen at the end? Did Manchester City take their foot off the gas pedal? Did they just underestimate Real Madrid? Did Real Madrid just get lucky? The bottom line is Manchester City had the win but didn't get the job done. There are several takeaways, but here's something we learned from this game; a one-goal lead is NEVER safe in this game. But in Manchester City's case, a two-goal lead would have been anything but safe.
Real Madrid had a frustrating game with Atletico Madrid last weekend. The many squandered scoring chances prevented Los Blancos from getting the win, which prevented them from maintaining an advantage in the Spanish La Liga standings. Barcelona is threatening to take the top spot in La Liga, so Real Madrid is in big trouble.
Real Madrid's not the only team squandering chances at the moment. Manchester City's had more than their fair share of disappointment this season. Both clubs are struggling due to injuries and their issues include inconsistency and inability to be up to par with performance and team chemistry.
In Real Madrid's case, despite the issues and struggles, the team still can be resilient. Resiliency was key to Real Madrid's come-from-behind win, along with teamwork. However, Real Madrid's squandering of scoring chances against Manchester City can't be ignored. While Real Madrid made three scoring attempts count, the struggles are well-documented.
Manchester City took the lead in the 19th minute courtesy of Erling Haaland. Credit to Manchester City for being able to combat the effects of Real Madrid's constant offensive attack and continuing to inflict pressure. In this case, it's fair to credit Manchester City for resiliency. Manchester City maintained their lead until the 60th minute when Kylian Mbappe equalized. Mbappe scored his 24th goal for Real Madrid, as well as his 52nd career goal in Champions League play. In Mbappe's case, he scored in the same venue where he scored his first-ever Champions League goal.
With nearly ten minutes left in regulation, Manchester City was awarded a penalty after Phil Foden was fouled. Haaland stepped up a converted the penalty, giving the Citizens a 2-1 lead. A few minutes later, Brahim Diaz equalized. Then a few minutes later, Jude Bellingham puts the nail in the coffin with a beautiful assist from Vini Jr. And then it was done. Real Madrid had secured the win.
Jude Bellingham scored the game-winner. WHO ELSE BUT JUDE BELLINGHAM?!
Manchester City fans let Vini Jr have it in this match. When he made contact with the ball, Vini Jr was heavily booed. Before the game, Manchester City even trolled him about not winning the 2024 Ballon d'Or. Vini Jr said that the booing only motivated him. It ended up backfiring for Manchester City fans as Vini Jr provided the assist in the game-winner. But Real Madrid is a long way from eliminating Manchester City. Again, a ONE-GOAL lead is NOT SAFE.
Round 2 is on the 19th. Real Madrid has a 3-2 aggregate lead. Round 2 will take place in the Spanish capital. Santiago Bernabeu. Will Los Blancos dump the Citizens out of the Champions League? Or will Manchester City pull it off?
Stay tuned. We'll find out soon...
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