Manchester City produced a late comeback to beat Real Madrid 2-1 at Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League Round of 16, making it the first time in their history to beat Real Madrid in the competition.
This was also the first time Pep Guardiola and Zinedine Zidane – rivals in their playing days for Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively – had met as managers in the Champions League.
After a cagey first half, Real scored an opener through Isco in the 60th minute.
However, City turned things around as they equalized through Gabriel Jesus in 78th minute before Kevin De Bruyne grabbed the winner through a penalty spot in the 83th minute after substitute Raheem Sterling was brought down inside the box.
Things turn from bad to worse for Real Madrid as they were reduced to 10 men with five minutes remaining. He will be suspended for the second leg.
It’s a sweet victory for Man City who were currently fighting to overturn UEFA ban in the Champions League.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola to BT Sport: “We tried to come here to win the game and we did. This is just the first part. If one team can overcome this situation, it’s this club.
“When we were better, we conceded a goal. When they were bettter, we scored a goal. That’s football. I remember the quarter-final a few seasons ago at Anfield when we played incredibly well and they scored all their shots on target.
“After five months Aymeric Laporte injured in this scenario it’s so demanding. Fernandinho came in and did incredibly well. I’m so proud. This is the first step. It’s not over. We can enjoy the moment. On Sunday we have a final. We’ll keep going in the Premier League and prepare for the second game against Real Madrid.”
This is only the second time Real Madrid lost a Champions League home match despite leading first, the last time it happened was against AC Milan in October 2009.
Guardiola became only the second manager to win two Champions League away games against Real Madrid, after Ottmar Hitzfeld.
Sergio Ramos received his fourth Champions League red card and 26 overall in his entire career.