Manchester City suffered a devastating late collapse at the Etihad Stadium as Real Madrid snatched a 3-2 victory in their Champions League play-off first leg on Tuesday night.
Despite leading 2-1 with just minutes remaining, City conceded twice in dramatic fashion as former player Brahim Diaz equalised before Jude Bellingham struck the winner in stoppage time.
Pep Guardiola is in serious danger of seeing his City side exiting the Champions League
PA
The result leaves the Premier League champions needing a win at the Santiago Bernabeu to keep their European hopes alive.
Erling Haaland had put City ahead with a powerful finish, before Kylian Mbappe levelled for Madrid on the hour mark with a deflected effort that found the top corner.
The Norwegian striker restored City’s advantage from the penalty spot with ten minutes remaining.
But Madrid staged a remarkable turnaround in the closing stages, with Diaz drawing the visitors level before Bellingham delivered the crushing blow in the second minute of stoppage time.
City defender John Stones struggled to contain his emotions after the match, telling Amazon Prime: “I don’t know how to put it into words straight away, it’s so raw and frustrating for everyone.”
“We were in the game until so late and then it’s two situations that happen and we concede,” he added. “It’s frustrating as a defender to come away with that result.”
The England international emphasised the need for improvement, stating: “We need to see games out better. The manager said we need to take accountability for what we do on the pitch.”
A visibly frustrated Pep Guardiola noted this was not an isolated incident for his side this season.
Jude Bellingham struck a late winner against City
PA
“Many times it happened this season,” the City manager said with a forced smile. “I know the quality of Real Madrid.”
Guardiola highlighted similar collapses against Feyenoord, Sporting, Brentford and Manchester United this campaign.
“After 2-1, it happened what has happened many times this season,” he added. “At that level it is so difficult. It is not the first time, it has happened many times.”
City now face a daunting task in Madrid, needing a victory to progress to the round of 16.
“Today we had a great opportunity to go to the Bernabeu with a 2-1 lead. It’s not done,” Stones insisted, trying to maintain optimism despite the setback.
The defender called for a positive mindset heading into the second leg. “We have to keep a positive mentality and try to put it right,” he said.
Guardiola’s immediate focus turns elsewhere: “I think now about Newcastle and then go to the Bernabeu.”