Sports Correspondent

Defending champions Real Madrid will host Manchester City at the Bernabéu in the second leg of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League playoff, following a thrilling 3-2 victory in the first leg at the Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City had taken a 2-1 lead, thanks to Erling Haaland’s impressive double, but Real Madrid staged a dramatic comeback. Brahm Díaz and Jude Bellingham scored crucial late goals, securing a vital advantage for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

Manchester City rebounded from the Champions League setback with a convincing 4-0 win over Newcastle United in the Premier League over the weekend. Omar Marmoush stole the show with a hat-trick.

In contrast, Real Madrid struggled in their LaLiga encounter against Osasuna, managing only a 1-1 draw. The match was further complicated by Jude Bellingham’s red card.