Bellingham Seals Dramatic Victory as Real Madrid Edge Manchester City

Jude Bellingham slides in to score the winner. Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Jude Bellingham delivered the decisive moment in a pulsating Champions League clash, securing Real Madrid a thrilling victory over Manchester City and leaving the English champions in a precarious position.

The high-intensity encounter saw both sides creating early chances, with Vinícius Júnior striking the crossbar after a dazzling solo run. Federico Valverde, deployed at right-back due to Madrid’s defensive crisis, fired a shot high, while City’s Phil Foden forced a save from Thibaut Courtois and Manuel Akanji’s header clipped the top of the bar. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé, a constant threat, squandered two promising opportunities for Madrid.

Erling Haaland celebrates with Josko Gvardiol after scoring Manchester City’s first goal. Photograph: Dave Thompson/AP

Erling Haaland looked poised to exploit Madrid’s makeshift central defense, consisting of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Raúl Asencio. The Norwegian striker nearly doubled City's lead early in the second half, latching onto a Kevin De Bruyne pass before seeing his shot deflect onto the crossbar. However, Madrid responded with waves of pressure. Bellingham’s header came close, while Mbappé forced a stunning reflex save from Ederson.

Madrid’s persistence paid off when Dani Ceballos recycled a half-cleared free kick, allowing Mbappé to volley home an unorthodox equalizer. The momentum shifted entirely to the Spanish giants, with Valverde narrowly missing the target and Bellingham being denied in a one-on-one with Ederson.

However, City regained control when Foden’s quick footwork drew a foul from Ceballos inside the box. Haaland confidently dispatched the penalty, momentarily tilting the tie in City's favor. Yet, it was Bellingham who had the final say, delivering another clutch moment to put Madrid on the brink of progression while leaving Pep Guardiola’s side in desperate need of a response.