Real Madrid required a 90th-minute strike from Cristiano Ronaldo to defeat Manchester City by the odd goal in five at the Bernabeu this evening.
The Citizens twice led the Champions League encounter, but ultimately leave Spain empty-handed.
Here, Sports Mole has looked back over the encounter between the champions of Spain and England to see if the result was justified.
Match Statistics:
Real Madrid:
Shots: 29
On target: 16
Possession: 54%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 6
Man City:
Shots: 8
On target: 5
Possession: 46%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 9
Was the result fair?
You'd have to say no. City were set up superbly by Roberto Mancini and soaked up everything Madrid threw at them for an hour. They then led twice, only to lose 3-2. However, the top level of European football can be cruel and City have found that out tonight.
Real Madrid's performance
There will be a lot that will not have impressed Jose Mourinho. His side failed to turn their domination into goals for large parts and they looked suspect at the back. At the same time they showed great character to win a match that they were losing 2-1 with five minutes to go.
Man City's performance
As well as they played, it counts for very little now. They've basically snatched a defeat from the jaws of victory. Tactically they were very good, which should bode well for future matches in the tournament.
Sports Mole's man of the match
There are several contenders but we're going to give it to Yaya Toure. There were countless times when he relieved the pressure on his City teammates with machine-like runs through the centre of the pitch. He also set up City's opener for Edin Dzeko.
Biggest gaffe
Not sure who is more to blame, but between Vincent Kompany and Joe Hart, Ronaldo's 90th-minute strike should have been stopped. The former Manchester United man did strike the ball well, but at the top level it shouldn't have found the net.
Referee's performance
Some good stuff from referee Damir Skomina in what was an extremely fast-paced encounter. Players were only booked when absolutely necessary and the game was allowed to flow. Without that we wouldn't have been treated to such a stunning end to the match.
What next?
Real Madrid: The Spanish champions go to Dutch side Ajax in the second round of group matches. If they attack like they did today in patches, you fear for their hosts.
Man City: Mancini's side must take maximum points at home to Borussia Dortmund next time out. The Germans are an established side in Europe though so it won't be easy.
Liam Apicella
