Real pinch stoppage-time goal against unlucky City

A Clasico, Carlo Ancelotti had called it. The Italian isn't a man to get carried away and is rarely wrong. A classic it was, too. A performance out of keeping with Manchester City's season nevertheless produced a result out of keeping with Real Madrid's history.

- RICHARD JOLLY

They could win the Champions League without ever winning at the Etihad Stadium. The club who have won 15 European Cups recorded a belated first, deep into added time, courtesy of an Englishman. They ended an unbeaten run that spanned more than six years.

In the 92nd minute, Jude Bellingham slid a shot into an open goal. City, undefeated at home in Europe for 35 games, since 2018, were overcome. Pep Guardiola always refers to Real as the kings of Europe; above all they are the comeback kings. Twice trailing, behind in the 85th minute, they nevertheless won. Real can be stripped of their defenders, but not of their essence. "All the games that we've played I think that's the best that they've been," said Guardiola.

On an evening when City began by taunting Vinicius Jr, a giant flag showing Rodri kissing the Ballon d'Or and with the Oasis inspired message of "Stop Crying Your Heart Out", ended with the Brazilian's brilliance pushing them a step closer to the exit. It was Vinicius, tormenting the second-half substitute Rico Lewis, who nipped in ahead of him to lob Ederson and set up Bellingham's decider. The flag may have backfired. "I saw the banner from Man City fans and it motivated me even more," said Vinicius. Guardiola did not join in the City supporters' mocking of Vinicius. "An extraordinary player," he said.