On February 11, 2025, Real Madrid defeated Manchester City 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium in the most recent UEFA Champions League playoff first leg.
Here are the match’s key statistics:
Shots: According to Pep Guardiola’s tenure, Real Madrid had the most attempts of any team against Manchester City at home since 2016 with 20 shots.
Goals: Kylian Mbappé, Brahim Díaz, and Jude Bellingham’s late goal for Real Madrid were the goals, while Erling Haaland scored twice for Manchester City.
Possession and Passing: In keeping with their usual style of play, Manchester City maintained a higher percentage of possession and made more passes. But Real Madrid’s clinical finishing and successful counterattacks were the game-winning factors.
Defensive Actions: With crucial contributions from players like Tchouaméni and Asensio, Real Madrid’s defense was able to withstand a great deal of pressure despite playing with a makeshift lineup because of injuries.
This game set the stage for an exciting second leg by showcasing Real Madrid’s tenacity and ability to take advantage of scoring opportunities.
A number of players gave exceptional performances.
Man City:
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland was pivotal for City, scoring twice. The Norwegian striker’s first goal was a well-timed finish, and he later converted a penalty, showcasing his composure under pressure.
Josko Gvardiol: The City defender not only excelled at the back but also contributed offensively by setting up Haaland’s opening goal with a deft chest pass.
Real Madrid:
Vinícius Júnior: Despite facing pre-match taunts from the home crowd, Vinícius remained influential throughout the game. He played a crucial role in the closing moments, with his efforts leading to Madrid’s second and third goals.
Kylian Mbappé: The French forward scored Real Madrid’s first equalizer, capitalizing on a chipped pass from Dani Ceballos. His goal was somewhat fortuitous, coming off his shin, but it was vital in bringing Madrid back into the game.
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Jude Bellingham: The English midfielder netted the decisive goal in stoppage time, showcasing his knack for being in the right place at crucial moments.
The exciting match between the two European titans was greatly influenced by these performances.
