Manchester City produced a terrific late turnaround to seize control of their Champions League last – tie against Real Madrid with a memorable win in the Bernabeu.
Isco’s strike had given the Spaniards the lead midway through the second half, but a header from Gabriel Jesus levelled the scores before Kevin De Bruyne put pay to City’s penalty hoodoo with a composed finish as Madrid imploded, with captain Sergio Ramos sent off five minutes from time.
Zinedine Zidane raised a few eyebrows by leaving the likes of Toni Kroos and Gareth Bale on the bench as Brazilian teenager Vinicius Jr. was handed the chance to impress.
That was nothing, however, compared to the surprise that greeted Pep Guardiola’s team selection, as stalwarts Sergio Aguero and David Silva were left on the bench, where they were joined by Raheem Sterling on his return from injury.
The intrigue extend to City’s shape, with Gabriel Jesus deployed on the left of midfield and Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva operating as a pair of false nines.
Both sides seemed to be holding each other at arms’ length for much of the first half, but Jesus tested Thibaut Courtois after being slipped in by De Bruyne’s incisive pass, before City suffered a major blow as Aymeric Laporte limped off injured.
Ederson produced an excellent save to keep out Karim Benzema’s header, but the rebound should have been been home by Vinicius, only for the Madrid man to lose his footing.
Instead, the closest either side came to an opener before the break was in stoppage time, when Jesus’ shot was diverted towards his own goal by Sergio Ramos and Fede Valverde had to boot clear off the line.
The visitors found space on the break a little easier to come by at the start of the second period, with Riyad Mahrez looking threat threatening, and the Algerian was denies by a smart low stop from Courtois.
Just as City were starting to knock on the door, however, Madrid pounced at the other end, Vincius showing great pace to nick it away from Kyle Walker and squaring calmly for Isco to tuck home.
Twice, City had substitute Fernandinho to thank for close-quarter blocks that denied Madrid a second, as Sterling was sent into the fray in place of Bernardo Silva.
The change immediately paid dividends, because it restored Jesus to a more natural forward position and from there he stole in behind Ramos at the back post to nod De Bruyne’s cross beyond Courtois.
Sterling then played a more direct role in the goal that truly puts City in command, winning a penalty off the rash Dani Carvajal, which De Bruyne converted in a fashion that makes you wonder why he hasn’t been taking them all season.
They might have had a third in the closing minutes when Jesus pounced on a mistake and raced through on goal but Ramos tripped him just outside the box and was rightly given his marching orders.
Relive all the goals and action with our LIVE blog …
Live Updates
– 20 – (T) : . (Z) (Z)
Fighting talk from Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro …
“The tie isn’t finished with this result. We played spectacular minutes against a great team.
“If there’s any team capable of overcoming this deficit in the second leg it’s Real Madrid.”
– – (T) : 51: 47. (Z)
Rio Ferdinand was full of praise for Kevin De Bruyne on BT Sport just now …
“He’s the best midfielder in the world right now. I don’t think there’s anyone near him in terms of what he can do.
“He does everything: his athleticism, running away from people, his pass appreciation, his decision-making in the final third.
“I would say per cent of the time, he gets it right. “
– – (T) . (Z)
Here’s Gabriel Jesus on his shift on the left of midfield .. .
“I can remember my time in Palmeiras when I came from the academy I played like a winger, and later I played like a striker.
“I go to the pitch to help my teammates so it doesn’t matter if I have to run backwards or run forwards.”
Photo: AFP
(-) – (T) : : . (Z)
Kevin De Bruyne has just been asked by BT Sport about Pep Guardiola’s tactical tweaks …
“I think in the four years we are here with Pep he sometimes has some surprises.”
– – (T) : : (Z)
The th red card of Sergio Ramos’ Real Madrid career. None in – odd games for spain though …
260220 – 20 – T 33: : (Z)
We’ll have all the reaction from the Bernabeu as we get it …
01575879 – – (T) : 83:
(Z)
A few glasses being smashed at Uefa HQ perhaps?
(ES COVERAGE)
(Z)
James Robson, Manchester correspondent, at the Bernabeu
That is a huge result in the history of Manchester City. A victory at the Bernabeu may just exorcise their ghosts in the Champions League.
Ultimately Pep Guardiola was rewarded for gambling when 1-0 down. He was positive, throwing on Sterling and the game changed from that moment.
There’s still a second leg to come, but with the suspended Ramos, can Real really keep City out at the Etihad?
(FULL TIME)
– – (T) :
Z
FULL-TIME | Real Madrid 1-2 Man City |
What a result for Manchester City .
1185169127 – – (T) : : . Z
mins: What a night this has turned into for Man City. Their fans are in great voice now, singing some not particularly complimentary songs about the competition organisers.
(RED CARD!)
– – (T) : :
(Z)
mins: Red card for Sergio Ramos!
It’s a nightmare for Real Madrid. ! Real gift it away, Jesus is in, and Ramos brings him down just outside the box. He’s got to go!
(GOAL!)
Real Madrid 1-2 Man City | Kevin De Bruyne
Why hasn’t he always been on them ?! The Belgian sends his international teammate the wrong way and City are flying!
– 21 – (T) : : . Z
mins: Penalty to Man City!
Carvajal dives in on Raheem Sterling. and it’s a stonewaller!
(GOAL!)
2923772 – 20 – (T) : :
(Z)
Real Madrid 1-1 Man City | Gabriel Jesus 99
Even bigger goal!
City have the away goal they so desperately wanted. ! De Bruyne digs out a cross to the back post and Jesus nods past Courtois!
There’s a hint of a push in the back of Ramos, but although Jesus has hands on him I don’t think he actually shoves him. The Spaniard is just caught under it and the goal stands.
(SUBS)
– – (T) : 45:
(Z)
mins: Vinicius has been just about Real’s best player, but he is the man sacrificed for Bale.
(ES COVERAGE)
James Robson, Manchester correspondent, at the Bernabeu
From a City point of view it is vital they don’t lose their heads here. They are still in this tie, but Real are clicking into gear. We’ve seen Guardiola teams fall apart in moments like this – it’s crucial they keep their composure.
(SUBS)
– – (T) : 40:
Z
mins: Bernardo Silva is the man to make way for Sterling. Real are about to respond by sending on Gareth Bale.
– 20 – (T) : . (Z) (Z)
Fighting talk from Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro …
“The tie isn’t finished with this result. We played spectacular minutes against a great team.
“If there’s any team capable of overcoming this deficit in the second leg it’s Real Madrid.”
– – (T) : 51: 47. (Z)
Rio Ferdinand was full of praise for Kevin De Bruyne on BT Sport just now …
“He’s the best midfielder in the world right now. I don’t think there’s anyone near him in terms of what he can do.
“He does everything: his athleticism, running away from people, his pass appreciation, his decision-making in the final third.
“I would say per cent of the time, he gets it right. “
– – (T) . (Z)
Here’s Gabriel Jesus on his shift on the left of midfield .. .
“I can remember my time in Palmeiras when I came from the academy I played like a winger, and later I played like a striker.
“I go to the pitch to help my teammates so it doesn’t matter if I have to run backwards or run forwards.”
Photo: AFP
(-) – (T) : : . (Z)
Kevin De Bruyne has just been asked by BT Sport about Pep Guardiola’s tactical tweaks …
“I think in the four years we are here with Pep he sometimes has some surprises.”
– – (T) : : (Z)
The th red card of Sergio Ramos’ Real Madrid career. None in – odd games for spain though …
260220 – 20 – T 33: : (Z)
We’ll have all the reaction from the Bernabeu as we get it …
01575879 – – (T) : 83:
(Z)
A few glasses being smashed at Uefa HQ perhaps?
(ES COVERAGE)
(Z)
James Robson, Manchester correspondent, at the Bernabeu
That is a huge result in the history of Manchester City. A victory at the Bernabeu may just exorcise their ghosts in the Champions League.
Ultimately Pep Guardiola was rewarded for gambling when 1-0 down. He was positive, throwing on Sterling and the game changed from that moment.
There’s still a second leg to come, but with the suspended Ramos, can Real really keep City out at the Etihad?
(FULL TIME)
– – (T) :
Z
FULL-TIME | Real Madrid 1-2 Man City |
What a result for Manchester City .
1185169127 – – (T) : : . Z
mins: What a night this has turned into for Man City. Their fans are in great voice now, singing some not particularly complimentary songs about the competition organisers.
(RED CARD!)
– – (T) : :
(Z)
mins: Red card for Sergio Ramos!
It’s a nightmare for Real Madrid. ! Real gift it away, Jesus is in, and Ramos brings him down just outside the box. He’s got to go!
(GOAL!)
Real Madrid 1-2 Man City | Kevin De Bruyne
Why hasn’t he always been on them ?! The Belgian sends his international teammate the wrong way and City are flying!
– 21 – (T) : : . Z
mins: Penalty to Man City!
Carvajal dives in on Raheem Sterling. and it’s a stonewaller!
(GOAL!)
2923772 – 20 – (T) : :
(Z)
Real Madrid 1-1 Man City | Gabriel Jesus 99
Even bigger goal!
City have the away goal they so desperately wanted. ! De Bruyne digs out a cross to the back post and Jesus nods past Courtois!
There’s a hint of a push in the back of Ramos, but although Jesus has hands on him I don’t think he actually shoves him. The Spaniard is just caught under it and the goal stands.
(SUBS)
– – (T) : 45:
(Z)
mins: Vinicius has been just about Real’s best player, but he is the man sacrificed for Bale.
(ES COVERAGE)
James Robson, Manchester correspondent, at the Bernabeu
From a City point of view it is vital they don’t lose their heads here. They are still in this tie, but Real are clicking into gear. We’ve seen Guardiola teams fall apart in moments like this – it’s crucial they keep their composure.
(SUBS)
– – (T) : 40:
Z
mins: Bernardo Silva is the man to make way for Sterling. Real are about to respond by sending on Gareth Bale.
“The tie isn’t finished with this result. We played spectacular minutes against a great team.
“He does everything: his athleticism, running away from people, his pass appreciation, his decision-making in the final third.
“I would say per cent of the time, he gets it right. “
“I can remember my time in Palmeiras when I came from the academy I played like a winger, and later I played like a striker.
We’ll have all the reaction from the Bernabeu as we get it …
(ES COVERAGE)
(Z)
That is a huge result in the history of Manchester City. A victory at the Bernabeu may just exorcise their ghosts in the Champions League.
(FULL TIME)
Z
FULL-TIME | Real Madrid 1-2 Man City |
What a result for Manchester City .
1185169127 – – (T) : : . Z
mins: What a night this has turned into for Man City. Their fans are in great voice now, singing some not particularly complimentary songs about the competition organisers.
(RED CARD!)
– – (T) : :
(Z)
mins: Red card for Sergio Ramos!
It’s a nightmare for Real Madrid. ! Real gift it away, Jesus is in, and Ramos brings him down just outside the box. He’s got to go!
(GOAL!)
Real Madrid 1-2 Man City | Kevin De Bruyne
Why hasn’t he always been on them ?! The Belgian sends his international teammate the wrong way and City are flying!
– 21 – (T) : : . Z
mins: Penalty to Man City!
Carvajal dives in on Raheem Sterling. and it’s a stonewaller!
(GOAL!)
2923772 – 20 – (T) : :
(Z)
Real Madrid 1-1 Man City | Gabriel Jesus 99
Even bigger goal!
City have the away goal they so desperately wanted. ! De Bruyne digs out a cross to the back post and Jesus nods past Courtois!
There’s a hint of a push in the back of Ramos, but although Jesus has hands on him I don’t think he actually shoves him. The Spaniard is just caught under it and the goal stands.
(SUBS)
– – (T) : 45:
(Z)
mins: Vinicius has been just about Real’s best player, but he is the man sacrificed for Bale.
(ES COVERAGE)
James Robson, Manchester correspondent, at the Bernabeu
From a City point of view it is vital they don’t lose their heads here. They are still in this tie, but Real are clicking into gear. We’ve seen Guardiola teams fall apart in moments like this – it’s crucial they keep their composure.
(SUBS)
– – (T) : 40:
Z
mins: Bernardo Silva is the man to make way for Sterling. Real are about to respond by sending on Gareth Bale.
FULL-TIME | Real Madrid 1-2 Man City |
What a result for Manchester City .
(RED CARD!)
– – (T) : :
(Z)
mins: Red card for Sergio Ramos!
It’s a nightmare for Real Madrid. ! Real gift it away, Jesus is in, and Ramos brings him down just outside the box. He’s got to go!
(GOAL!)
Real Madrid 1-2 Man City | Kevin De Bruyne
Why hasn’t he always been on them ?! The Belgian sends his international teammate the wrong way and City are flying!
– 21 – (T) : : . Z
mins: Penalty to Man City!
Carvajal dives in on Raheem Sterling. and it’s a stonewaller!
(GOAL!)
2923772 – 20 – (T) : :
(Z)
Real Madrid 1-1 Man City | Gabriel Jesus 99
Even bigger goal!
City have the away goal they so desperately wanted. ! De Bruyne digs out a cross to the back post and Jesus nods past Courtois!
There’s a hint of a push in the back of Ramos, but although Jesus has hands on him I don’t think he actually shoves him. The Spaniard is just caught under it and the goal stands.
(SUBS)
– – (T) : 45:
(Z)
mins: Vinicius has been just about Real’s best player, but he is the man sacrificed for Bale.
(ES COVERAGE)
James Robson, Manchester correspondent, at the Bernabeu
From a City point of view it is vital they don’t lose their heads here. They are still in this tie, but Real are clicking into gear. We’ve seen Guardiola teams fall apart in moments like this – it’s crucial they keep their composure.
(SUBS)
– – (T) : 40:
Z
mins: Bernardo Silva is the man to make way for Sterling. Real are about to respond by sending on Gareth Bale.
It’s a nightmare for Real Madrid. ! Real gift it away, Jesus is in, and Ramos brings him down just outside the box. He’s got to go!
(GOAL!)
Real Madrid 1-2 Man City | Kevin De Bruyne
Why hasn’t he always been on them ?! The Belgian sends his international teammate the wrong way and City are flying!
Carvajal dives in on Raheem Sterling. and it’s a stonewaller!
(GOAL!)
2923772 – 20 – (T) : :
(Z)
Real Madrid 1-1 Man City | Gabriel Jesus 99
Even bigger goal!
City have the away goal they so desperately wanted. ! De Bruyne digs out a cross to the back post and Jesus nods past Courtois!
There’s a hint of a push in the back of Ramos, but although Jesus has hands on him I don’t think he actually shoves him. The Spaniard is just caught under it and the goal stands.
(SUBS)
– – (T) : 45:
(Z)
mins: Vinicius has been just about Real’s best player, but he is the man sacrificed for Bale.
(ES COVERAGE)
James Robson, Manchester correspondent, at the Bernabeu
From a City point of view it is vital they don’t lose their heads here. They are still in this tie, but Real are clicking into gear. We’ve seen Guardiola teams fall apart in moments like this – it’s crucial they keep their composure.
(SUBS)
– – (T) : 40:
Z
mins: Bernardo Silva is the man to make way for Sterling. Real are about to respond by sending on Gareth Bale.
Real Madrid 1-1 Man City | Gabriel Jesus 99
City have the away goal they so desperately wanted. ! De Bruyne digs out a cross to the back post and Jesus nods past Courtois!
There’s a hint of a push in the back of Ramos, but although Jesus has hands on him I don’t think he actually shoves him. The Spaniard is just caught under it and the goal stands.
(SUBS)
– – (T) : 45:
(ES COVERAGE)
From a City point of view it is vital they don’t lose their heads here. They are still in this tie, but Real are clicking into gear. We’ve seen Guardiola teams fall apart in moments like this – it’s crucial they keep their composure.
(SUBS)
– – (T) : 40:
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