Real Madrid Stuns Manchester City with Late Goals

Real Madrid's Christiano Ronaldo celebrates his game-winning goal in their comeback win over Manchester City. (Pierre-Philippe Marcou)

In the UEFA Champions League group stage, it could be argued that no team could use a big win more than the two powerhouses pitted in this matchup. Manchester City, the reigning English Premier League champions, got off to a rough start in its title defense. Despite winning both of their home games, they have had to settle for draws in their two road matches, the latter coming at Stoke City. With expectations high as ever this season, that simply isn't going to cut it with management and the supporters.

Real Madrid, a perennial  European football power, has struggled to begin their season as well. Through four La Liga games, they are a mere 1-2-1. Losses to teams like Getafe and Sevilla are unheard of for Real Madrid. With the star power they have throughout their roster, European dominance is expected from the Spanish side.

As Manchester City and Real Madrid took the field for a Champions League group stage match, both knew the importance of getting off to a good start. While both teams racked up great scoring opportunities throughout the first half, a common problem continued to plague both sides. Neither one could find a way to score the goals they ought to.

On the road, Manchester City was more than happy to sit back and defend. They would focus on using the counterattack to generate their scoring opportunities. Their strategy paid off in the 68th minute. Yaya Toure gained control of the ball and cut through the heart of the Real Madrid. He found substitute Edin Dzeko for the easy finish. Just like that, the visitors led 1-0.

That lead didn't last long. With Real Madrid pressing forward, Marcelo cut inside with the ball. He let a shot rip that was deflected off Manchester City's Javi Garcia and past goalkeeper Joe Hart for the equalizer. However, with the game winding to a close, it was the visitors who earned a free kick in the attacking third. Man City's Aleksandar Kolarov's kick curled through the box and into the net to put them back in the lead.

Even though there was only four minutes remaining in the game, there was still enough time for an attacking team like Real Madrid to answer. In the 87th minute, Madrid's Karim Benzema drove the ball into the box from the flank. His beautifully struck shot beat Hart for the equalizer. Suddenly, things were level pegging once again. However, the attacks didn't stop there as play went back and forth from end to end.

In stoppage time, Real Madrid tried to piece together one last strong attack. Christiano Ronaldo found an opening and let a long shot rip. It dipped dramatically as it traveled and scurried under the outstretched arms of Hart. As the final whistle blew, Real Madrid had come all the back to secure victory for themselves.

By scoring two goals in the last four minutes, Real Madrid dramatically changed the outcome of their match and group's momentum. They will look to build off this victory with sustained high levels of play. This is another disappointing result for Manchester City. After struggling last season in the Champions League, they need to try and put this defeat behind them as quickly as possible.