A Historic Night: Real Madrid Ends Manchester City’s Etihad Invincibility
Since November 7, 2018, Manchester City had not suffered a home defeat in the Champions League. An impressive streak of 34 unbeaten matches at the Etihad Stadium came to an end on February 11, 2025, against Real Madrid, in an incredible match.
The Cityzens believed they could secure the win after taking the lead early in the game, with a quick goal from Erling Haaland following a defensive error (1-0, 19′). The second half saw a completely different intensity, and Real Madrid was finally rewarded for their efforts, equalizing right after the break with a strike from Kylian Mbappé that beat the opposing goalkeeper (1-1, 60′).
Pep Guardiola’s men regained the lead ten minutes before full-time, thanks to a penalty converted by the Norwegian striker (2-1, 80′). However, Real Madrid did not give up and pulled off the unthinkable, equalizing against the reigning English champions with a goal from Brahim Díaz, who reacted quickly to a rebound from a shot by Ferland Mendy (2-2, 86′).
Finally, one of the standout players of La Liga’s second-place team, the young English international Jude Bellingham, secured a prestigious victory with a decisive goal in stoppage time (3-2, 90’+1′).
This narrow victory bodes well for Real Madrid, but spectators of this clash between two of Europe’s finest teams witnessed something extraordinary. This result will need to be confirmed at Santiago Bernabéu, where the Cityzens have proven to be a formidable challenge for any opponent seeking a positive result.
