The former City academy graduate and the Englishman scored late goals to create yet another incredible European comeback.

Jude Bellingham’s late goal ended a wild match in which Real Madrid rallied twice to defeat Manchester City 3-2 in the first leg of their Champions League play-off match. Kylian Mbappe and Brahim Diaz both scored goals. In the 93rd minute, the England midfielder scored to cap an improbable but incredibly predictable comeback.

Within ten minutes, Mbappe found Ferland Mendy in front of goal, and the left-back wasted his close-range attempt to give Los Blancos the lead. Soon after, Erling Haaland put City ahead 1-0 by sweeping a lay-off from Josko Gvardiol into the far corner, making him pay as well. With plenty of room in the box, Mbappe had a fantastic chance of his own just before halftime, but he swept his shot over the bar.

Before Mbappe found the equalizer by scuffing a shot into the far corner from a Dani Ceballos cross, Bellingham had a fantastic chance early in the second half but missed it after some great inspiration from Vinicius Jr. Bellingham ought to have made it 2-1 soon after, only to be denied by a save from Ederson.

When Phil Foden was clipped by Ceballos in the box after 80 minutes, they were forced to pay, as Haaland scored flawlessly from the penalty spot. However, there was more twist when Bellingham capitalized on Vinicius’ feeble attempt to score the game-winning goal in stoppage time, after Brahim had driven in a late equalizer following an Ederson error.

Courtois Thibaut (6/10):

made some excellent saves. unable to accomplish either objective.

Valverde Federico (7/10):

played a defensive shift and continued to be aggressive.

Tchouameni Aurelien (5/10):

gave a fairly erratic performance in the rear. City’s opener is nowhere.

Asencio Raul (6/10):

occasionally did a good job covering space, but their relationship with Mendy in the channel isn’t the best.

Mendy Ferland (7/10):

lost a fantastic opportunity early on, but he played good defense.

5/10 for Dani Ceballos:

helped Mbappe equalize, but then made a careless challenge that cost him a penalty.

Camavinga Eduardo (7/10):

When he returns from injury, he is a midfielder full of enthusiasm and hard work. Class.

Bellingham, Jude (8/10):

He had an unquestionable defensive work rate and occasionally had exceptional ball control. didn’t provide much in the future. Until he buried the late winner, that is.

Rodrygo (5/10):

He didn’t generate much and occasionally lost his cool in the last third. a really bad performance following a period of great play.

Vinicius Jr. (7/10):

Very mixed. The second half was enormous, but nowhere in the first half. helped the winner technically.

Mbappe Kylian (8/10):

received constant reprimands from his manager for failing to follow up. even though he completely mishit his volley, bagged the equalizer. Participated in the other two as well.