Isco’s opener for the hosts on the hour was cancelled out thanks to a quickfire double from Gabriel Jesus header and Kevin De Bruyne penalty.
The win capped off one of the most impressive away performances in the competition’s history, and gives us our first ever win over the Spanish side.
The hosts almost found themselves in front on the half hour, with Karim Benzema’s powerful header back across goal needing an excellent reaction save from Ederson.
But that chance belied what had been a solid first 45 from Pep Guardiola‘s men, with them coping admirably after Aymeric Laporte was forced off through injury.
And we were almost rewarded for that first-half dominance after a swift counter early in the second period, but Riyad Mahrez’s curling left-footed effort couldn’t find the target just before the 50-minute mark.
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The Algerian was once again in the thick of the action six minutes later, beating the offside trap and forcing an impressive save from Courtois low to his right.
But despite us being on top, it was the hosts who went ahead Vinicius Junior took advantage of a defensive mix-up to feed Isco, who made no mistake when one-on-one with Ederson.
That goal brought the hosts to life and they piled on the pressure, but instead it proved to be the cue for a comeback that will live long in the memory.
Pep Guardiola’s men weathered the Madrid storm drew level with just over ten minutes to go when Jesus beat Sergio Ramos in the air to flick De Bruyne‘s cross back across goal and into the net.
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And within five minutes the Belgian got in on the act himself, sending Courtois the wrong way from the spot after substitute Raheem Sterling was upended by Dani Carvajal in the box.
A crucial advantage for us to take into the second leg here at the Etihad was then boosted by Los Blancos captain Sergio Ramos being given his marching orders after bringing down Jesus with the Brazilian through on goal.
If you missed that incredible victory or, understandably, just want to relive it again, then the entire match will be available to watch once again from midnight via City+.
An historic night for Pep Guardiola’s men, and a fully deserved victory – catch the best of the action via the gallery below…
