Real Madrid Being Real – The Vinicius Way!
“Stop crying your heart out.” That was the message on the banner displayed by Manchester City fans at the start of their match against Real Madrid on Tuesday. The giant banner featured Rodri holding the Ballon d’Or, a clear dig at Real Madrid’s star forward Vinicius Jr., who famously lost the prestigious award to the City midfielder.
However, Vinicius Jr. had the perfect response. Throughout the game, the Brazilian forward tormented City’s defense, proving to be a constant menace. Above all, he assisted Real Madrid’s winning goal, scored by Jude Bellingham in added time, sealing a dramatic 3-2 victory.
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Real Madrid Vs Manchester City is a fixture which was never been played before 2012, however is now a mouthwatering prospect each and every time the pair draw each other in the Champions League. Though both the clubs are completely at the opposite end of the history scale, both the teams remain as the best clubs on the planet.
Since their meeting over a decade ago, both have butted their heads on a number of occasions, often with a place in the Champions League final on the line. And Tuesday’s night first leg was the 13th time these two iconic clubs have faced each other in the UEFA Champions League and the seventh time in four seasons. The City has been leading with four wins in the fixture till last day match. However, with the last night win, Los Blancos has made it to a tie. Madrid came out on top in that initial encounter, defeating their English rivals 3-2, but City were able to secure a 1-1 draw in the return fixture at Etihad Stadium
The match had everything—Real’s defensive crisis with key players missing, Rodri’s controversial pre-match poster, and even a flash of World Cup nostalgia as Kylian Mbappé attempted to recreate one of his famous final goals. With high stakes, drama, and unforgettable moments, Tuesday night was nothing short of a spectacle.
This aint the first time, being the host, the team had shown in its inability in truly controlling the contest. City so far has conceded seven goals in the final 15 minutes of Champions League match this season. And this collapse was the worst of the lot. The win for the Los Blancos will now take them three points above the Manchester City.
Tuesday night match was a proof that the City was never home and Real Madrid refused to believe they were beaten—even after conceding first in the opening half. Beyond City’s growing cracks in defense, misfortune also played its part. Jack Grealish was forced off with an injury after just 30 minutes, having played like a man with a point to prove to his manager.
The tale was already set when the Real equalized Erling Haaland’s early strike, announcing its comeback. Moreover, Jude Bellingham’s injury-time winner almost had a sense of inevitability as City’s scrambled minds led to mistakes. The decisive goal came from close range—Vinicius Jr. chipped the ball over Ederson, who was caught out of position, allowing England’s talisman to finish with ease. It was that the moment the Brazil forward who was given the pre-match banner relished the moment and revelled in Real’s victory celebration. The picture-perfect answer to many. Until the final whistle sounds, nothing is ever settled against the Los Blancos.
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On the night, Real Madrid emerged victorious, but the tie is far from over. City will travel to the Bernabéu with a one-goal deficit, setting the stage for yet another Champions League classic between these two European powerhouses. The second leg is scheduled for February 20, 2025.
Tuesday night was all about Real Madrid being, well, Real Madrid. City might still defy the odds in Madrid, but this season carries the feeling of an era ending—a great team reaching the twilight of its journey.
