Real Madrid Edges Man City in UCL Thriller

Real Madrid secured a narrow 3-2 victory over Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League playoff, with Jude Bellingham scoring a last-minute winner. Despite City's strong start and goals from Erling Haaland, they failed to maintain their lead, a recurrent issue this season. Manchester City faced additional challenges with injuries, notably to Jack Grealish, who left the pitch with a groin injury. Carlo Ancelotti praised his team's adaptability and viewed the win as a small advantage for the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu. Pep Guardiola urged his team to demonstrate their quality despite a challenging season, emphasizing accountability and resilience as they prepare for the return leg. Both managers acknowledge the high stakes, with Ancelotti predicting the winner could potentially claim the Champions League title.