Kolkata: Fix, bounce back, restart. Manchester City has been on that mission since their dramatic downturn started in October. For 86 minutes during an electrifying match on a chilly night at home, it seemed like City had pulled it off. But then they hit a wall, watching their Champions League play-off first leg shift from joy to letdown and ultimately to despair.

Real Madrid isn’t quite the powerhouse they were last season. Teams like Lille, Liverpool, Athletic Bilbao, AC Milan, Barcelona, and Espanyol have all taken them down in the 2024-25 season. In two Clasicos, they’ve conceded nine goals. Still, they’re having a season that feels like a mix of Oceans 11, 12, and 13. They’re at the top of La Liga, reached the Copa del Rey semi-finals, and after a thrilling 3-2 comeback against City, they’re close to the Champions League round of 16.

This might offer a lesson in resilience and mental strength for Manchester City. The home team was only missing Rodri and had all their new signings ready to go. Meanwhile, Real was missing key players like Antonio Ruediger, Eder Militao, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, and Lucas Vázquez. Carlo Ancelotti described their defensive shortage as an emergency. While City shifted John Stones to midfield, Real brought back midfielders Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde. Yet, they haven’t signed any defenders or found a replacement for Joselu.

After earning a point against Atletico Madrid, Ancelotti mentioned that their strategy was effective. He believes that offense is the best defense. Jude Bellingham stepping up to bolster the attack has compensated for Joselu’s exit. Real’s attacking strength and confidence have helped mask their defensive shortcomings in most matches.

City showed determination to hold off a team as skilled in attack as one featuring Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, and Bellingham. When Mbappe leveled the score with a shin goal in the 60th minute, cameras caught him, Vinicius Jr, and Bellingham sharing a laugh. In a documentary about his legacy, David Beckham recalls how Ronaldo would keep that spirit even when Real was behind. The Brazilian star was sure Real would find a way, and usually, the galacticos did. Just like the current galacitos.

Sure, Real was under pressure late in the first half, and yes, Erling Haaland had put City ahead twice. After not scoring in four previous matches against Real, Haaland was eager to change that on Tuesday. He was all over the pitch, defending corners and winning fouls, while Madrid’s makeshift defense struggled against his incredible physicality.

Haaland kicked off the second half by hitting the crossbar. In the 76th minute, Thibaut Courtois signaled for Haaland to go one way for the penalty, and Haaland played a clever double bluff to put City ahead 2-1. His first goal was a stunning finish after Jack Grealish supported Josko Gvardiol’s efforts at both ends. Nineteen minutes in, the crowd's roar nearly shook the stadium off its foundations.

City fans displayed a tifo of Rodri kissing the Ballon d’Or, a move that can backfire, as Benfica learned years ago when they tried to rattle Manchester United by presenting Eusebio with the same trophy. That game ended with George Best stealing the spotlight like a fifth Beatle.

This might have fired up Real’s famous four. Vinicius Jr, who was at the center of the Ballon d’Or debate, started off with a shaky pass but turned it around and shone throughout the match. His shot led to Ederson’s chest save, allowing Brahim Diaz to equalize at 2-2 in the 86th minute.

The play kicked off with Ederson, who had been solid until then, but he threw out a poor pass. City lost possession again, and Bellingham seemed to be unfairly tackled by Bernardo Silva. Just like in previous matches against PSG, Feyenoord, Sporting, and Brighton, where they dropped points from winning positions, City’s vulnerabilities were glaring. Bellingham’s easy goal in the 90+2 minute, following another defensive blunder, sealed their fate.

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