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Three Takeaways as Manchester City down Real Madrid

By J.C. Gonzalez

MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 26: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City celebrates with teammate Riyad Mahrez after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Real Madrid and Manchester City at Bernabeu on February 26, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 26: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City celebrates with teammate Riyad Mahrez after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Real Madrid and Manchester City at Bernabeu on February 26, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /
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In the first leg of a tie that will define Manchester City’s season, they left it late, but City completely turned the tie on its head through Kevin de Bruyne.

When all appeared lost, trailing 1-0 without Aymeric Laporte, Manchester City stepped up and delivered two crucial away goals to give them a huge win against Real Madrid heading into the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16. City became just the first English team in 11 years to win at the Santiago Bernabéu, and look poised to advance from the headlining draw of the Round of 16.

1. De Bruyne delivers in the biggest moment

When City looked poised for yet another European disappointment, City’s Belgian superstar delivered a brilliant cross to Gabriel Jesus to level the score. When the team needed De Bruyne most, however, having missed five out of their last seven penalties, he stepped up to the spot wearing the captain’s armband and buried it with ice in his veins to seal a famous win. A heroic performance.

2. Concern over Laporte

Although it was a fantastic result and Fernandinho performed admirably in central defense after Aymeric Laporte went down injured, City will need him in order to win the competition. If his injury is serious, City will face a massive struggle to achieve the ultimate goal: going all the way and lifting the trophy.

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3. 90 minutes still to play

This result will go down in history, but the job is still far from done. Two away goals is huge, but City must be on top form in two weeks’ time to deliver another performance and finish the work they started tonight in the Spanish capital.