Real Madrid produced their latest Champions League late show to snatch a first-leg advantage in their mighty play-off clash with Manchester City.
The visitors had appeared bound for a defeat at the Etihad Stadium after Erling Haaland’s penalty ten minutes from time had put the hosts back ahead, but former Manchester City player Brahim Diaz equalised moments after being brought on before Jude Bellingham pilfered a 3-2 win with virtually the final touch. For Pep Guardiola, it must have felt awfully familiar, another implosion in a season full of them.
Until those final minutes, it had been an encouraging night for the Premier League club, producing an improved performance and twice going ahead. Haaland struck twice, his first beautifully constructed and firmly finished before the Norwegian converted from the penalty spot after Phil Foden had been felled. But one always feared that Manchester City’s defensive vulnerabilities might show up against a dynamic forward line, with Diaz and Bellingham adding to Kylian Mbappe’s initial equaliser to allow the hosts to take a one-goal lead into the second leg at the Bernabeu.
Re-live all of the action from the Etihad Stadium in our live blog below:
Manchester City vs Real Madrid LIVE
- Manchester City beaten 3-2 by Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions Leaugue play-off tie
- Jude Bellingham snatches advantage with stoppage-time winner
- GOAL! MANCHESTER CITY 1-0 Real Madrid (Erling Haaland, 19 minutes)
- HALF TIME: Manchester City 1-0 Real Madrid
- GOAL! Manchester City 1-1 REAL MADRID (Kylian Mbappe, 60 minutes)
- GOAL! MANCHESTER CITY 2-1 Real Madrid (Erling Haaland, 80 minutes)
- GOAL! Manchester City 2-2 REAL MADRID (Brahim Diaz, 87 minutes)
- GOAL! Manchester City 2-3 REAL MADRID (Jude Bellingham, 90 + 2 minutes)
- FULL TIME: Manchester City 2-3 Real Madrid
Manchester City FC 2 - 3 Real Madrid CF
Real Madrid keep their cool as Manchester City implode again in Champions League classic
22:28 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumA Clasico, Carlo Ancelotti had called it. The Italian isn’t a man to get carried away and is rarely wrong. A classic it was, too. A performance out of keeping with Manchester City’s season nevertheless produced a result out of keeping with Real Madrid’s history. They could win the Champions League without ever winning at the Etihad Stadium. The club who have won 15 European Cups recorded a belated first, deep into added time, courtesy of an Englishman. They ended an unbeaten run that spanned more than six years.
Real Madrid keep their cool as Man City implode again in Champions League classic
Carlo Ancelotti speaks to Amazon Prime about Real Madrid's win
22:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle“I think we played a good game. We didn’t deserve to be down in the game. We were really dangerous, we defended well. At the end of the day, the victory is deserved. It’s only the first half of the knockout [tie], though.
“It was character and personality. We had a good block defensively, which is not usual for us. Tonight we were able to do this.
“In this moment, Manchester City don’t have a lot of confidence. But they are still a really good team and played a really good game. We have to stay calm - anything can happen at the Bernabeu.
John Stones speaks to Amazon Prime
22:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle“Again, a few games after the Arsenal one, I don’t know how to put it into words straight away. It’s so raw and frustrating for everyone. We were right in the game until so late on, and then two situations happen and we end up conceding. It’s frustrating as a defender to come away with that result. Angry and frustrated is what I can say.
“Honestly, I haven’t got the answer. We need to see games out better, that’s for sure. The manager has said to us that we need to take accountability for what we do on the pitch, and I think we do. These bad moments happen in games. We had a great opportunity to go to the Bernabeu 2-1 up, and we go now needing a goal to level when we get there. We need to stay positives and, as the manager says, hold ourselves accountable.
“I think how we started the game, we were right on top. We know the quality that Madrid have got. What happened is avoidable from us as the eleven on the pitch. We’ve got to do better, it’s as simple as that. We have to keep a positive mentality and look forward. We’ve got another 90 minutes to put things right.”
Jude Bellingham speaks to Amazon Prime after his match-winning turn
22:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle“It was a weird one. We played some of our best football of the season and managed to find ourselves behind in the game. It’s always really tricky to play against Manchester City, but in the end we managed to take one of the many chances.
“It’s not just a technical and tactical battle, it’s a psychological one as well. It was really good that we managed ourselves throughout the game on that front.
“I just kept running, really, on the off chance that Vini might put it wide, which rarely happens. Our performance deserved the win. Two of the four defenders were midfielders. It’s really difficult to adapt to that position, and I think Tchouameni did really well. Credit to all four of them.”
FT: Manchester City 2-3 Real Madrid
22:07 , Harry Latham-CoyleUntil those two late goals, it had been an encouraging night for Pep Guardiola, his side looking pretty good and on course for a lead in the tie. Their pressing did drop off, slightly, but those final few minutes felt entirely psychological, this campaign clearly having shaken their security significantly.
FT: Manchester City 2-3 Real Madrid
21:58 , Harry Latham-CoyleAdd another chapter to the book of Real Madrid Champions League comebacks. Two late goals at the Etihad snatch a first-leg advantage in this huge play-off encounter - and it’s a familiar tale for Manchester City, too, imploding again in this strange season.
FULL TIME: Manchester City 2-3 Real Madrid
21:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle
GOAL! Manchester City 2-3 REAL MADRID (Jude Bellingham, 90 + 2 minutes)
21:54 , Harry Latham-CoyleHow do they do it? Real Madrid snatch victory from the jaws of defeat?
Another Manchester City capitulation in this wretched season! Rico Lewis is beaten to a bouncing ball by Vinicius Jr, while Ederson kippers himself by charging out of his box. Vinicius lifts it over his Brazil teammate and gives Jude Bellingham something to hare after, with the midfielder showing his turn of speed to tap it home into the empty net.
Manchester City 2-2 Real Madrid, 90 + 1 minutes
21:52 , Harry Latham-CoyleKylian Mbappe won’t last the course. He’s off in the final moments.
Manchester City 2-2 Real Madrid, 90 minutes
21:51 , Harry Latham-CoyleThree more minutes to come. Is there time for a winner?
Manchester City 2-2 Real Madrid, 88 minutes
21:49 , Harry Latham-CoylePep Guardiola looks exasperated. Manchester City had done so well to seize control of the tie again and that was a soft, soft concession of the second goal.
GOAL! Manchester City 2-2 REAL MADRID (Brahim Diaz, 87 minutes)
21:48 , Harry Latham-CoyleImmediate impact! Brahim Diaz strikes against his former club!
It’s terrible goalkeeping from Ederson, putting his defenders under pressure with a dreadful pass. A shot from Vinicius Jr could perhaps have been dealt with better by the Brazilian, too, merely palming into the path of Diaz who volleys into the corner. Real Madrid are level again - how do they manage to do this so often in this competition?
Manchester City 2-1 Real Madrid, 84 minutes
21:45 , Harry Latham-CoylePep Guardiola exhausts his allocation of alterations. Kevin De Bruyne hands over the captain’s armband as he takes leave, with Savinho also off. On come a new boy in Omar Marmoush and an old hand in Ilkay Gundogan.
Carlo Ancelotti, meanwhile, sends on Brahim Diaz for Rodrygo, who has been pretty quiet in this half.
Manchester City 2-1 Real Madrid, 82 minutes
21:43 , Harry Latham-CoyleOn comes Luka Modric into the Real Madrid midfield, a veteran schemer hoping to find another equaliser.
That really was a clumsy challenge from Dani Ceballos.
GOAL! MANCHESTER CITY 2-1 Real Madrid (Erling Haaland, 80 minutes)
21:41 , Harry Latham-CoyleRolled in to the corner with real calm and composure!
Manchester City lead as Erling Haaland strikes for a second time. Thibaut Courtois went the wrong way, but might not have saved it anyway.
PENALTY! Manchester City 1-1 Real Madrid, 75 minutes
21:38 , Harry Latham-CoylePenalty to Manchester City! Phil Foden shimmies and shakes free of Ferland Mendy, and Dani Ceballos clatters into him.
Was it inside the box? It looks like it is on the line but VAR will check...yep, it stands.
A bit of a worry for Manchester City as Foden remains down after a knock of knees. He hobbles away as Erling Haaland picks his spot...
Manchester City 1-1 Real Madrid, 75 minutes
21:36 , Harry Latham-CoyleRaul Asencio and Erling Haaland are summoned to the headmaster’s office after a bit of corridor pushing and shoving. Clement Turpin gives each a stern warning and sends them back to class.
Manchester City 1-1 Real Madrid, 73 minutes
21:33 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumCity are starting to look frayed and ragged now, Mbappe a constant threat. It hasn't helped City that they have lost John Stones from midfield, with the Englishman back in defence now Nathan Ake has gone off. They look too open in midfield as a result and Real the stronger. They now seem the likelier winners if anyone goes to Madrid with an advantage.
Manchester City 1-1 Real Madrid, 71 minutes
21:33 , Harry Latham-CoyleA weave and then a dart into the Manchester City from Eduardo Camavinga, though his efforts are to no avail with a slightly tepid attempted shot. Blocked in comfort by a Manchester City defender.
Manchester City 1-1 Real Madrid, 69 minutes
21:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleNot Kevin De Bruyne’s best. He generously gives fellow Belgian Thibaut Courtois catching practice.
Manchester City 1-1 Real Madrid, 68 minutes
21:29 , Harry Latham-CoyleThis scoreline would please Carlo Ancelotti, you’d think, with the second leg to come in Madrid and the possibility of getting a couple of defensive bodies back for that fixture.
Savinho earns a corner kick off the rump off Fede Valverde.
Manchester City 1-1 Real Madrid, 66 minutes
21:27 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnother sighting for Jude Bellingham, the Real Madrid midfielder running beyond a lackadaisical Rico Lewis and rattling the legs of the Manchester City goalkeeper.
Manchester City 1-1 Real Madrid, 63 minutes
21:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleMateo Kovacic was being readied before that goal. and Pep Guardiola presses ahead with the planned switch. Nathan Ake is the man off, leaving John Stones to slide one row backwards into central defence.
GOAL! Manchester City 1-1 REAL MADRID (Kylian Mbappe, 60 minutes)
21:21 , Harry Latham-CoyleA dreadful free kick but a goal nonetheless!
They all count! Fede Valverde sends his free kick right into the draught excluder underneath the wall, but the ball bounces back to the feet of the Real Madrid throng who had assembled to take the set piece. Dani Ceballos eyes up his options as Manchester City rush out, picking a lovely little chip through to Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe’s finish isn’t much better than Valverde produced, a hashed hack that flies up in the air off the side of his foot.
But in to the net it inexorably loops as Ederson sprawls expecting something rather firmer.
Manchester City 1-0 Real Madrid, 58 minutes
21:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleKevin De Bruyne connects with Erling Haaland, though that is sterling work from Raul Asencio, forcing the Manchester City striker back and away and eventually out of the Real Madrid box. The youngster has looked pretty solid in there tonight.
At the other end, a lunging Bernardo Silva scythes into Dani Ceballos as the midfielder jinks. Free kick, relatively central, 25 yards out. Appetising.
Manchester City 1-0 Real Madrid, 57 minutes
21:18 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt would appear more changes may be imminent as the two managers consider their options. Remember that there is a second leg to come - neither will be willing to risk being entirely out of the tie tonight, which may make this a cagier affair.
Manchester City 1-0 Real Madrid, 55 minutes
21:16 , Harry Latham-CoyleKept out! Another real sniff for Real Madrid as Kylian Mbappe releases a snap shot after the ball breaks his way in the box. Ederson is in its path, reacting well to get his hands to it.
Manchester City 1-0 Real Madrid, 53 minutes
21:14 , Harry Latham-CoyleGuided wide! That’s a top chance for Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr skinning Rico Lewis and picking out the England midfielder just beyond the penalty spot. A flashing header skips wide of the post with Ederson motionless.
Manchester City 1-0 Real Madrid, 52 minutes
21:13 , Harry Latham-CoyleManchester City slow the tempo, popping passes around the back in an attempt to draw Real Madrid out of shape. The visitors don’t oblige, and deal with the eventual forward pass rather easily.
Manchester City rattle the woodwork again
21:12 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumBusy night for the woodwork, hit three times, and the physios, with Akanji following Grealish in making an early departure. It makes for a huge second half for Rico Lewis, who is up against Vinicius Jr. He really struggled in similar circumstances when given a second half against Ousmane Dembele in Paris.
Manchester City 1-0 Real Madrid, 48 minutes
21:09 , Harry Latham-CoyleHow will Rico Lewis do up against Vinicius Jr? Manuel Akanji performed his defensive duties rather well, I thought, though the Brazilian had his moments. The new Manchester City right-back covers a long ball nicely in the opening skirmishes of the second half.
Manchester City 1-0 Real Madrid, 46 minutes
21:07 , Harry Latham-CoyleSo close to a second! Kevin De Bruyne finds a cute outside-of-the-foot pass through to Erling Haaland, who chops down on the ball as he shoots and sends it cannoning against the crossbar.
Second half...
21:04 , Harry Latham-CoyleNews of a half-time change, and a second substitution in 45 minutes for Manchester City - Manuel Akanji appeared to suffer a knock at the end of that half, and Rico Lewis has been summoned.
Phil Foden was on earlier for Jack Grealish.
ANALYSIS: More goals to come?
20:58 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumA terrific first half in which City resembled their old selves for the first time in months. Real have had plenty of threat, too, and 1-0 feels one of a lot of possible scorelines at this point. It could be very different by the end of the night.
HT: Manchester City 1-0 Real Madrid
20:51 , Harry Latham-CoyleBright and breezy stuff in Manchester. Real Madrid started the better and could have had a couple of goals inside 15 minutes, but Erling Haaland’s sharply-taken, nicely-constructed strike has the hosts ahead at the interval. More goals to come, one feels, though.
HALF TIME: Manchester City 1-0 Real Madrid
20:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Manchester City 1-0 Real Madrid, 45 + 4 minutes
20:49 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere’s no deflection on that one, and that’s awful from Mbappe! A glorious chance after great work from Rodrygo, but the Frenchman leans back as he hits and troubles only the patrons in the upper reaches of the stand behind the Manchester City goal.
Manchester City 1-0 Real Madrid, 45 + 2 minutes
20:48 , Harry Latham-CoyleA slightly hairy moment for Ederson as a deflection on Kylian Mbappe’s shot sends it looping up out of his reach. Behind for a corner it flies, but not before a moment or two of panic from the goalkeeper.
Manchester City 1-0 Real Madrid, 45 minutes
20:46 , Harry Latham-CoyleInto four additional minutes at the end of the half.
Manchester City 1-0 Real Madrid, 43 minutes
20:44 , Harry Latham-CoyleFizzed o’er the top! Beautiful technique from Fede Valverde as he strikes with the side of his foot from 25 yards, a little too much height preventing Ederson from having to save. Potent, powerful and poised - but not precise.
Manchester City 1-0 Real Madrid, 42 minutes
20:42 , Harry Latham-CoyleA poor pass from Rodrygo bails out Nathan Ake after an error, the Brazilian’s pass heavy and forcing Vinicius Jr to run wide. Manuel Akanji stands up to the Real Madrid No 7, conceding a corner which Erling Haaland heads powerfully away.
Manchester City 1-0 Real Madrid, 39 minutes
20:39 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumJack Grealish has come and gone, injury ending one of his most influential displays in major matches in the last 18 months (he did get a goal and an assist against Paris Saint-Germain a few weeks ago, but only in a game that went horribly wrong for City after that). Phil Foden has come on to play on the right, with Savinho switching to the left. Manuel Akanji has almost doubled City's lead, hitting the bar. This has the potential to become a very good night for City.
Manchester City 1-0 Real Madrid, 36 minutes
20:38 , Harry Latham-CoyleA sustained spell of Manchester City pressure. Bernardo Silva slips in Erling Haaland, who earns a corner out of Raul Asencio.
And that’s flicked the crossbar! Manuel Akanji heads the corner kick up over the parapet on to the roof of the net, taking out a brick or two as it goes.
Manchester City 1-0 Real Madrid, 35 minutes
20:36 , Harry Latham-CoyleA fine save from Thibaut Courtois, diving away to his right to keep out Phil Foden’s drive. Kevin De Bruyne then sidefoots on the volley into the goalkeeper’s arms.
Manchester City 1-0 Real Madrid, 34 minutes
20:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleIncidentally, Erling Haaland now has as many Champions League goals as Zlatan Ibrahimovic. In 76 fewer games, by my count. He’s some scorer.
Manchester City 1-0 Real Madrid, 32 minutes
20:32 , Harry Latham-CoyleManchester City have successfully taken the sting out of Real Madrid after the visitors buzzed about in the first 15 minutes. John Stones is keeping things ticking over rather nicely in midfield.
Manchester City 1-0 Real Madrid, 30 minutes
20:31 , Harry Latham-CoyleYep, that’s that for Grealish - what a shame after a really bright half-an-hour. Down the tunnel he trudges to get his issue seen to, with Phil Foden brought on. A handy replacement, though he, like the man he’s replacing, could do with finding his best form again.
Manchester City 1-0 Real Madrid, 29 minutes
20:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleBad news for Manchester City - Jack Grealish is crouched in discomfort with a couple of concerned teammates surrounding him. His race may be run here.
Manchester City 1-0 Real Madrid, 25 minutes
20:26 , Harry Latham-CoyleOff the woodwork! Vinicius Jr’s curling effort takes a flick of Ederson’s fingertips and then the top of the crossbar.
Josko Gvardiol shows value with assist
20:25 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumErling Haaland's first goal against Real Madrid and it is advantage City. It was notable it came from Haaland being more involved in the build-up, running in behind and being found. But the finish came after Josko Gvardiol chested it down to him. Another lung-busting run from Gvardiol into the box showed how the left-back often goes past the midfield to get into the penalty area.
Manchester City 1-0 Real Madrid, 22 minutes
20:24 , Harry Latham-CoyleA start brighter than their vibrant orange shirts for Real Madrid, then, but behind they find themselves. Remember that this really is a makeshift defensive unit.
GOAL! MANCHESTER CITY 1-0 Real Madrid (Erling Haaland, 19 minutes)
20:19 , Harry Latham-CoyleDelightful! Immaculately constructed, decisively finished!
That really is a lovely Manchester City goal. Erling Haaland makes a good run to latch on to Josko Gvardiol’s pass, knocking back to Jack Grealish. Gvardiol produces a superb surge on the underlap, collecting Grealish’s clever clip. A chest down to expert marksman allows Haaland to pick his spot in the far corner.
But is it offside? Ooh, that’s tight on the replay as Gvardiol chests down with Haaland up alongside him...
It’s a long, long delay, reflecting a tricky decision. Was the Norwegian beyond the ball? Should it matter in such circumstances? Still we wait.
GOAL GIVEN! It stands.
Manchester City 0-0 Real Madrid, 17 minutes
20:18 , Harry Latham-CoyleA brief lull in the tempo after a lively opening as Manchester City settle again into shape. Josko Gvardiol is tucking in and up to join John Stones at times, with Manuel Akanji also trying to create a midfield overload.
Manchester City 0-0 Real Madrid, 13 minutes
20:16 , Harry Latham-CoyleA sniff for Manchester City now, Kevin De Bruyne’s corner kick looping off a couple of heads in the direction of Savinho. Alas, the Brazilian makes a hash of his half-volley, ballooning it up over the bar and into the car park.
Manchester City 0-0 Real Madrid, 13 minutes
20:14 , Harry Latham-CoyleManchester City are all over the place. Kevin De Bruyne is dispossessed in the centre circle and only the combined efforts of Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji prevent Vinicius Jr rampaging free again. Worrying signs for Pep Guardiola.
Manchester City 0-0 Real Madrid, 12 minutes
20:13 , Harry Latham-CoyleA vital block from Nathan Ake! Real Madrid part the Manchester City lines again and Vinicius Jr and Ferland Mendy each offer the other the sighting of goal. Mendy is the man to eventually release the shot with Ederson beaten by the passing exchange, but Ake is back to block.
Manchester City 0-0 Real Madrid, 11 minutes
20:12 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe visitors are starting to purr. A delicate opening of the legs from Vinicius Jr sends him spinning into space and his pass is sharp, too, freeing Kylian Mbappe. Ederson gets down smartly to save.
Manchester City 0-0 Real Madrid, 9 minutes
20:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleA point to the penalty spot...but the flag is up!
Real Madrid think they’ve got a spot kick when Vinicius Jr is chopped down by Ederson, but the Brazilian was a couple of yards off when embarking towards the through pass. Manchester City are leaving a bit of room in behind, though...
Manchester City 0-0 Real Madrid, 8 minutes
20:09 , Harry Latham-CoyleMbappe has a problem with his boot, too, though that doesn’t stop him from very nearly burning by Ruben Dias after a forward hoist. Ederson is out sharply to clear.
Off Mbappe trots to get the faulty footwear sorted. A fresh pair of magenta daps are sourced.
Manchester City 0-0 Real Madrid, 7 minutes
20:08 , Harry Latham-CoyleManchester City do appear to have plenty of defensive stability about them. Kylian Mbappe comes away limping a little from a strong challenge from one of the two home centre-halves.
Manchester City 0-0 Real Madrid, 5 minutes
20:06 , Harry Latham-CoylePep Guardiola barks some instructions to his side, the Manchester City manager clad in coat and scarf to ward off the evening chill. John Stones is settling into that midfield controlling role, perhaps affording a bit of extra protection against international colleague Jude Bellingham.
Manchester City 0-0 Real Madrid, 3 minutes
20:04 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnother good Real Madrid defensive header allows the visitors to clear their lines.
Rather loud boos for Vinicius Jr as the Brazilian is given a first touch.
Manchester City 0-0 Real Madrid, 2 minutes
20:03 , Harry Latham-CoyleKevin De Bruyne swings it in, with Fede Valverde flicking it up over his crossbar with Erling Haaland in close attention. Corner.
Manchester City 0-0 Real Madrid, 1 minute
20:02 , Harry Latham-CoyleEarly ambition from both sides, Jack Grealish looking to release Erling Haaland over the top before Rodrygo shunts a diagonal pass in the direction of Kylian Mbappe. Neither is successful.
More promise from Grealish, skipping by Fede Valverde and being felled by a retreating Rodrygo. A handy position for this free kick, left of the area about 15 yards out.
KICK OFF!
20:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd we are underway at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid
19:58 , Harry Latham-CoyleSome creative Manchester City fans have emblazoned an Oasis lyric on a large banner taunting Vinicius Jr with a photo of Rodri kissing his Ballon d’Or. Lovely work.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid
19:56 , Harry Latham-CoyleRight, kick off is almost upon us. Two European heavyweights, two play-off legs, one rather sizeable tie. Out the players come into the Manchester night.
Man City vs Real Madrid
19:50 , Mike JonesManchester City versus Real Madrid will be just the fourth fixture in European Cup/Uefa Champions League history to played in four consecutive seasons, after Deportivo de La Coruna vs Juventus (4 from 2000-01 to 2003-04), Chelsea vs Liverpool (5 from 2004-05 to 2008-09), and Atletico de Madrid vs Real Madrid (4 from 2013-14 to 2016-17).
Mbappe finding his feet
19:45 , Mike JonesKylian Mbappe has nine goals in his last eight games.
He has 16 in La Liga, and is Madrid's top scorer this season with 23 in all competitions.
Real Madrid vs English teams
19:40 , Mike JonesReal Madrid have already lost in England this season, going down 2-0 at Liverpool during the league phase.
They were without an away win in five games against English clubs before a 3-1 first-leg victory at Chelsea in the 2021/22 quarter-finals but have now won three of the last seven with one draw and three defeats in that run.
'With belief, we are able to do anything'
19:35 , Mike JonesRuben Dias says he believes that Man City can still achieve something ‘beautiful’ this season.
He said: “Since I have been here this is maybe the most difficult season so far, but I am a firm believer that in the most difficult scenario you can still achieve something beautiful.
“We know it will be difficult to get there but we have to believe in what we have in the dressing room.
“With the right belief, we are able to do anything.”
Carlo Ancelotti makes Champions League prediction ahead of Man City vs Real Madrid: ‘I’m convinced’
19:30 , Mike JonesCarlo Ancelotti expects the winners of the Champions League to emerge from the new ‘Clasico’ between Real Madrid and Manchester City.
The two European heavyweights have clashed in the latter stages of the competition in the last three seasons – with the victor going on to lift the trophy – and they meet again in this year’s play-off round.
Carlo Ancelotti ‘convinced’ Real Madrid or Man City will win Champions League
City's two-legged defeats
19:25 , Mike JonesThe second-leg loss at Real Madrid in the 2021/22 semi-finals is Man City's only defeat in their last 14 games against Spanish sides, a run that includes eight victories.
Last season's defeat against Madrid made City's record against Spanish clubs in two-legged knockout ties won four, lost six.
'We suffer but we always come back'
19:20 , Mike JonesPep Guardiola is adamant that his Manchester City side can come back from a poor start to the season and finish on a high.
“We achieved trebles and quadruples and we see how difficult it is,” he said. “It is because we were a machine. Doesn’t matter what happened, we were there.
“We have many cases in the nine years I have been here where we suffer but always, we came back. It would be good for the club to be in this competition - I like to feel we are there but now, I know the gameplan tomorrow.
“I still have doubts about the selection - we still have injuries., I am always optimistic and calm. We will see what happens.”
Man City to show 'something special'
19:15 , Mike JonesPep Guardiola has urged Man City to rise to the challenge and show the side has ‘something special’ whe they face Real Madrid.
“We are where we are, and I know perfectly but the team has something special and hopefully tomorrow we can prove it,” Guardiola declared.
“I will not deny how I trust with the players who gave us that incredible decade, winning a lot of things and playing a high standard, I know what we are capable of.
“To be honest it is always better to have a second leg at home in case you have extra time with your people.”
Man City and Real Madrid got what they wanted but now face new Champions League playoff problem
19:10 , Mike JonesBy now, Real Madrid and Manchester City have met so often in the Champions League that Florentino Perez and Khaldoon Al Mubarak have a distinctive relationship. Close observers have noted how the City chair can act deferentially towards the elder figure, while Perez adopts an intrigued demeanour.
It’s all rather superficial, of course. The two have been on opposite sides of one of the main divides in the modern game, and the rest of football knows how hard-line both clubs can become.
Man City and Real Madrid got what they wanted but now face Champions League problem
Man City vs Spanish sides
19:05 , Mike JonesManchester City had won six successive home games against Spanish clubs before last season's draw with Real Madrid.
They are unbeaten in nine (W7 D2), since a 2-1 loss against Barcelona in the 2014/15 Champions League round of 16 first leg; both of their defeats have come against Barcelona.
How did the teams fare in the league phase?
19:00 , Mike JonesReal Madrid won their last three games on their way to finishing 11th in the inaugural league phase on 15 points.
Man City were 22nd on 11 points, ending a run of four games without a win with a 3-1 comeback victory at home to Club Brugge on the last matchday to seal their knockout place.
ANALYSIS: A surprise selection from Pep Guardiola
18:58 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumA remarkable selection from Pep Guardiola, showing his ability to surprise. Carlo Ancelotti said it can be a nightmare preparing to face Guardiola and it is safe to assume Real Madrid did not expect this team, with John Stones in midfield, Nathan Ake fit again to return at the back, Jack Grealish on the left and Phil Foden on the bench. It is notable, too, that Mateo Kovacic is there, whereas he has been a constant when fit since Rodri was injured.
Man City vs Real Madrid
18:55 , Mike JonesFor the fourth successive season, Manchester City and Real Madrid meet in the Champions League.
Madrid eliminated City in dramatic fashion in the 2021/22 semi-finals and last season's quarter-finals, going on to lift the trophy on each occasion.
City, meanwhile, prevailed in the last four two seasons ago on their way to claiming a first European Cup.
Team news - Real Madrid
18:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s a makeshift back four for the visitors with Aurelien Tchouameni again forced into a deeper role to partner youngster Raul Asencio.
Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Valverde, Tchouameni, Asencio, Mendy; Ceballos, Camavinga; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.
📋✅ Our starting XI!
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 11, 2025
🆚 @ManCity pic.twitter.com/R9auDcEDLb
Team news - Manchester City
18:48 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s Manuel Akanji at right-back for Manchester City, with John Stone seemingly deployed in the Rodri role. Jack Grealish gets the nod out wide.
Manchester City XI: Ederson; Akanji, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Stones; Savinho, De Bruyne (C), Bernardo, Grealish, Haaland.
Your City team to face Real Madrid 🩵
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 11, 2025
XI | Ederson, Akanji, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol, Stones, De Bruyne (C), Bernardo, Savinho, Grealish, Haaland
SUBS | Ortega Moreno, Marmoush, Kovacic, Doku, Nico, Gundogan, Nunes, Khusanov, Foden, O'Reilly, Lewis, McAtee#ManCity | #UCL pic.twitter.com/HW42T8fGAF
'I think I can be decisive'
18:40 , Mike JonesReal Madrid attacker Rodrygo is drawing on previous successes against Manchester City as inspiration for tonight’s match.
He said: “I've scored goals against Man City in the past and I was very happy.
“Now, I think I can be decisive because I'm in a very good moment.
“It's going to be a special match because we're going to face one of the best teams in the world."
'Playing against City is difficult'
18:35 , Mike JonesReal Madrid forward Rodrygo is under no allusions as to how tricky tonight’s match with Manchester City will be despite Pep Guardiola’s men struggling for form.
Rodrygo said: "Playing against City is as difficult as ever, but I think we have to have the same mentality as last season.
“It will be key to getting a good result here. Almost every team that comes to Man City suffers a bit. The manager told us that it's important for those up front to defend.
“If those behind see that, the whole team will be infected. That's going to be key for the rest of the season."
Real Madrid’s petulant act gives Man City rivalry a bitter edge before Champions League shootout
18:30 , Mike JonesIn difficulty, Ruben Dias saw the opportunity for beauty. In a glamour tie, Pep Guardiola saw a punishment that he readily accepted Manchester City deserved.
Their meetings with Real Madrid have been quarter-finals or semi-finals. In each of the last three seasons, the victor has gone on to win the Champions League.
Now, rivalries are renewed in a knockout play-off. City are unaccustomed to facing Real at a stage that also includes Club Brugge and Brest.
Real Madrid’s petulant act gives Man City rivalry a bitter edge
Man City vs Real Madrid is a modern 'Clasico'
18:25 , Mike JonesMan City coach Pep Guardiola said: "In recent years it [Man City vs Real Madrid] has become a great duel. We have gone through, we have eliminated each other. In the last decade it has become a Clasico."
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti added: "It feels like a 'Clasico' because we have been playing each other in this competition for many years.
“It will be an entertaining and even match, very difficult to predict what will happen. These are two very high-level teams and we will have to bring out the best version of ourselves."
Ancelotti on Guardiola
18:20 , Mike JonesReal Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has described planning to face Pep Guardiola’s teams as a ‘nightmare’ as he prepares to face Manchester City in the Champions League tonight.
“Every time we face each other, it's a nightmare to prepare the matches because he always has ideas that make you think,” he said.
“He is an innovator in football and one of the best, if not the best.”
'I'm prepared for everyone to say it's my fault'
18:15 , Mike JonesCarlo Ancelotti believes a meeting with Manchester City is the hardest match Real Madrid could play and said he expects to be blamed if the champions go out of the Champions League next week.
“I’m already prepared for everyone to say it’s my fault if we don’t win,” said Ancelotti. “It is probably the toughest opponent ever, against the toughest coach. The team that qualifies will have many options to go far in the competition, as happened in recent years
“There is no doubt we are prepared and I am prepared because the history I have behind me covers me well. There is a risk that things don’t turn out well and the risk is increased if you play against one of the best teams out there against one of the best managers out there.”
Carlo Ancelotti explains why Manchester City are Real Madrid’s ‘toughest opponent’ despite struggles
18:10 , Mike JonesCarlo Ancelotti believes a meeting with Manchester City is the hardest match Real Madrid could play and said he expects to be blamed if the champions go out of the Champions League next week.
The Italian, who has won three Champions Leagues with Real and five in his managerial career, believes there is a risk his side go out at the Bernabeu next week, following Tuesday’s first leg at the Etihad Stadium.
And he said he is surprised by City’s struggles this season as he described Pep Guardiola as the best manager in the world.
Carlo Ancelotti explains why Man City are Real Madrid’s ‘toughest opponent’
Will Nico Gonzalez be fit to play?
18:05 , Mike JonesManchester City’s new signing, Nico Gonzalez, was forced off just 22 minutes into his City debut after picking up a knock against Leyton Orient at the weekend.
Asked whether he will be available to face Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola said: “I hope so. The kick was strong in this area. We have a few days, we will see.”
'Stones's presence is important'
18:00 , Mike JonesPep Guardiola has provided an update on some of Manchester City’s injury doubts including John Stones and Ruben Dias.
“Two years ago in the year of the Treble, [Stones] helped us in many different ways,” Guardiola said.
“For the last three months he hasn’t played 90 minutes and the last two games he played without pain. That’s really good because his presence is important.
“Ruben again is back, he played 45 minutes. We will see how many players we can recover for the next games.”
Guardiola responds to jibes
17:55 , Mike JonesPep Guardiola has insisted he does not fear the sack if Manchester City lose to Real Madrid in the Champions League by saying he won’t be ditched by the club.
“No. I don’t know if a doctor is asked to [answer] the question, or if an architect is asked the question, or if a teacher is asked the question,” replied Guardiola when asked if he feared being released by City should they lose.
“I know that in all the stadiums, they tell me that I’m going to be kicked out the next day, [sacked] in the morning, when we’re losing.
“But no, I don’t have this feeling. I’m obviously here, and I still have the position, because of what we’ve won in recent years. Otherwise, I probably wouldn’t be here.”
Pep Guardiola responds to ‘sacked in the morning’ jibes before Man City v Real Madrid in Champions League
17:50 , Mike JonesPep Guardiola has insisted he does not fear the sack if Manchester City lose to Real Madrid in the Champions League by saying he won’t be ditched by the club.
The City manager, who signed a new, two-year contract in November, said doctors, architects and teachers wouldn’t be asked if their jobs are under threat in different times.
City have lost 11 of their last 23 games, and finished only 22nd in the Champions League league phase, meaning they face a two-legged play-off against the 15-times winners Madrid, beginning at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Pep Guardiola responds to ‘sacked in the morning’ jibes before City meet Madrid
Guardiola on Madrid's threats
17:45 , Mike JonesThe Man City manager also explained how Real Madrid can hurt his team saying: “They have courage to play. They have ability. It doesn’t matter if the opponents are close, they can find passes. They have movement in behind.
“But we have to try to impose our game. We have to be smart, especially in the first leg. It’s important to read the tempo [of the game] in order to get a result to take to the Bernabeu.”
'It's impossible to control these players'
17:40 , Mike JonesPep Guardiola’s knows that Manchester City need to make their opportunities count against Real Madrid and admits his team will not be able to control as much of the game as they would like against the Spanish giants.
“It’s impossible in 180 minutes or 200 if it goes to extra time to control these players. Everyone knows it - I don’t say anything new,” Guardiola said.
“All are exceptional. Everyone knows it. How they combine, how they keep the ball… we need to reduce their involvement as much as possible.”
Grealish on difficult 2024
17:35 , Mike Jones“Last year, the whole year itself, it was weird because my little daughter was born, but apart from that it was one of the most difficult years - probably the most difficult year of my life for many reasons, on and off the pitch,” said Jack Grealish in the aftermath Manchester City’s victory over Leyton Orient in the FA Cup.
“I found it really difficult. But it's a new year, a sort of fresh start, and hopefully I can kick on from here.
“I do find it difficult at times to come in and out of games, not really playing. Hopefully I can keep training well and playing a few more games.”
Jack Grealish opens up on ‘most difficult year of my life’ amid Man City struggles
17:30 , Mike JonesJack Grealish explained how 2024 was the ‘most difficult year of my life’ following Manchester City’s 2-1 victory over Leyton Orient in the FA Cup on Saturday.
Grealish was a part of City’s Premier League winning squad last season which lifted the top-flight trophy for the fourth time in a row yet the winger only started 10 times for Pep Guardiola’s side.
He then missed out on a spot at Euro 2024 in the summer where England reached the final before losing out to Spain.
Jack Grealish opens up on ‘most difficult year of my life’ amid Man City struggles
Man City vs Real Madrid prediction
17:25 , Mike JonesManchester City are not in a good run of form and come up against Real Madrid at a tough time.
Pep Guardiola’s side tend to turn up to big European games and impress but their performances have been worrying of late.
Real Madrid have some winning momentum and are legends at making it through knockout ties. Expect goals and a narrow win for Carlo Ancelotti’s men.
Man City 1-2 Real Madrid.
Real Madrid's early team news
17:20 , Mike JonesReal Madrid have been hit with plenty of injury worries. Lucas Vazquez has been ruled out for up to three weeks with a muscle strain picked up in the draw against Atletico Madrid. Dani Carvajal is out for the season as is Eder Militao.
Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are closing in on a return but may not be ready of tonight’s match though Eduardo Camavinga could feature off the bench.
Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Valverde, Tchouameni, Asencio, Mendy; Modric, Ceballos, Bellingham; Vinicius Jr, Mbappe, Rodrygo
Man City's early team news
17:15 , Mike JonesPep Guardiola is hopeful John Stones and Ruben Dias will be fit enough to feature against Real Madrid as both defenders aim to regain full fitness after recent injuries. Nico Gonzalez was forced off in City’s FA Cup tie versus Leyton Orient and is a doubt.
Predicted Man City XI: Ederson; Lewis, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Bernardo Silva; Foden, De Bruyne, Savinho; Haaland
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