The British press criticizes Pep Guardiola for Manchester City's performance, and international media are in awe of Real Madrid.
L'Équipe: "City Came Off Badly"
"It has been said that Manchester City is a shadow. And Real Madrid took advantage of Mancunian generosity to turn everything around with Brahim and Bellingham. In a week, one of the competition's big favorites will take the stage, and the citizens are in a very bad position."
"There was a game within the game, and unlike his team, Haaland took advantage of his long-distance duel with Mbappé. Silent in his four previous encounters against Real Madrid, the Norwegian finally found the goal against the Merengues."
Bild: "Vinícius Gets Revenge for the Mockery"
"This revenge tastes really sweet! Spicy. Before the start of the match, City fans provoked Vinícius with an XXL banner featuring Rodri with the Ballon d'Or.
The message: 'Stop Crying Your Eyes Out.' Vini and Real Madrid felt deceived after the Ballon d'Or was awarded to the world's best footballer of the year in October 2024. Perhaps that's why Real Madrid started very motivated."
La Gazzetta dello Sport: "The Result Does Justice to Real Madrid"
"A thrilling match between two imperfect teams that justly rewards Madrid. More proactive and less erratic and vulnerable than Guardiola's team, which is a victim of a nervous breakdown, just like its coach. The 2-3 result condemns them to a pursuit in 8 days at Bernabéu, which today seems almost impossible."
Olé: "Real Madrid Stepped Up"
"It was a kind of early final and they didn't disappoint. In a match that had everything, Real Madrid stepped up in Manchester and beat City 2-3 in the first leg of the Champions League play-offs."
Globoesporte: "The Greatest Champion of Europe Always Rises from the Ashes"
"First of all, it was a great match. Manchester City delivered one of its best performances of the season. The problem is that on the other side was Real Madrid.
The greatest champion of Europe, which always rises from the ashes. The Spanish giants were twice behind on the scoreboard but managed to turn the situation around at the Etihad Stadium."
The Athletic: "City Got What They Deserved"
"Guardiola described a clash with Real Madrid as what Manchester City deserved. When everything calms down, he might think that tonight they got what they deserved again.
In the 80th minute, they took a 2-1 lead. Madrid had shown more fluidity and incisiveness for much of the match."
The Sun: "They Angered Real Madrid"
"The visitors have the last laugh when the hosts squander a 2-1 lead with horrible mistakes after mocking Vinícius. Manchester City must now endure their annual trial by fire at Bernabéu.
After Haaland had provoked a vengeful Arsenal, here City was intent on stirring up the most powerful club in European soccer.
It was petty of Real Madrid to disdain the Ballon d'Or award ceremony after Rodri surpassed Vinícius in winning the title. But why go to such lengths to make them angry?
City increased the aggression with a huge banner of Rodri kissing his golden ball with the words 'Stop Crying Your Eyes Out.'
Rodri was seen in the stands taking a photo of this. And in the players' tunnel, there were similar images to welcome the Madrid players. In the end, City was left speechless again."
Daily Mail: "Does Anyone Believe City Will Win at Bernabéu?"
"There's another match ahead, but who believes Pep Guardiola's team will win at Bernabéu? I think even City fans won't have hope.
Their best teams have gone to Madrid and only lost or drawn in recent years. So, considering how fragile this version of City is, it's almost impossible to see them reversing this situation."
A Bola: "Real Comeback"
"Manchester City and Real Madrid took to the field at the Etihad in a somewhat premature final. And the Merengues will end up smiling, with a 2-3 victory. A real comeback.
The English shared three photographs. In one of them, Vinícius appears, and next to him, a poster with Rodri kissing the Ballon d'Or, won in 2024."