Real Madrid Takes Control Against Manchester City in Champions League Duel

MADRID, Spain – In a thrilling UEFA Champions League knockout match on February 19, 2025, Real Madrid gained a significant advantage over Manchester City by securing a 1-0 lead in the second leg, extending their aggregate score to 4-2 at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Kylian Mbappé’s goal in the 4th minute put Los Blancos in a commanding position, as they aim to advance to the next round.

The match comes just over a week after Real Madrid clinched a narrow 3-2 victory in the first leg at the Etihad Stadium, where they showcased their ability to bounce back from adversity. With a strong attacking display against City, the defending champions showcased their offensive prowess, marking the team’s resilience under pressure. This time, however, they entered the match without key player John Stones, who was forced off due to injury in the early minutes after a collision with Vinicius Junior.

The early goal from Mbappé was a result of a well-timed lob over goalkeeper Ederson, a situation derived from a solid buildup play initiated by Asensio. The Frenchman, who has been instrumental in Madrid’s attack, displayed composure in front of goal, leaving no chance for the City defense.

As the match progressed, City struggled to find their rhythm. Their defense faltered at crucial moments, creating opportunities for Real Madrid to capitalize on. City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, emphasized the need for a near-perfect performance, but as the first half continued, Real Madrid dominated possession and looked more threatening in attack.

At the 24th minute, Madrid’s attacking players combined effectively, leading to attempts from Mbappé and Federico Valverde that were both deflected for corners. “We’re able to hit our switches quickly, and our wingers are in excellent form. It’s encouraging to see the attacking flow we’ve developed,” Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti commented after the first half.

At halftime, the score remained 1-0 in favor of Real Madrid, but City found themselves in a precarious situation. They needed to score at least two goals to keep their Champions League hopes alive, but the challenges persisted with the absence of key players like Haaland who was limited to the bench due to injury concerns.

As the game progressed into the second half, City managed to shield their defense better, but Madrid’s relentless pressure kept them on edge. Midfielder Jude Bellingham, who has shown remarkable form this season, was expected to step up but instead found himself dealing with Madrid’s defensive plays.

“Every time we tried to recover the ball, they found a way to maneuver through our defenses. We need to organize better moving forward,” City’s captain expressed frustration during a brief pause in play.

Despite City’s efforts, they were unable to break through Madrid’s solid defense, resulting in a frustrating match for the Premier League club. The final whistle confirmed a 1-0 victory for Madrid, sending them through with a 4-2 aggregate.

With this victory, Real Madrid advances to the next round of the UEFA Champions League, while Manchester City faces a tough exit from the tournament. Guardiola’s squad will look to regroup as they prepare for upcoming domestic league challenges.