Manchester City's misery reached another new low on Tuesday night, as Real Madrid pulled off a stunning late comeback at the Etihad.
For the fifth time in six seasons, the two European giants were drawn together in the Champions League and - not for the first time - they played out a classic in Tuesday's playoff tie.
Though City went in 1-0 up at the break, it was not a reflection of the first half, with Erling Haaland's first-half strike against the run of play. It was remarkable that it took Real Madrid an hour to score and, even when they did, it was fortuitous through Kylian Mbappé's shin.
Haaland's penalty put City back in front with just ten minutes to go but things were to take a sharp, dramatic run.
Ex-City player Brahim Diaz would equalise with four minutes remaining after a questionable clearance from Ederson, before the City goalkeeper one-upped himself in injury time.
Charging out to Vinicius Jr as the Real star raced in on goal, Ederson saw the ball chipped over his head, with Jude Bellingham evading the pressure of John Stones to slide the ball into an empty net.
A few seasons ago, this would have been a scarcely believable collapse by Manchester City. However, this was only the latest in a string of such defeats this season, with Pep Guardiola's men having seen wins slip through their grasp in similar fashion against Brentford, Feyenoord, and Manchester United in recent months.
Post-match, United legend Wayne Rooney said he felt the frail mentality of Guardiola's team was on full display against Real on Tuesday.
READ HERE: Carla Ward Names First Women's National Team Squad Ahead Of Nations League Ties
READ HERE: Ex Liverpool Teammate Claims Mo Salah Is "Closer To Leaving Than Staying"
Real Madrid stun Manchester City with late fightback
Speaking on Amazon Prime's coverage from the Etihad, Wayne Rooney slated Manchester City's "naive" approach to the game.
More damningly, Rooney said that he saw a clear lack of belief from the City players as Tuesday's game progressed, something he said was becoing a worrying trend for Guardiola's team.
I think there was a lot of naivety from Manchester City, especially late on in the game but also earlier on. You could see Real Madrid were going to get opportunities and chances on goal.
For me, I think the Man City players...we've seen over the last few years the belief and confidence that, no matter what game they're in, they're going to win.
I think the players tonight were looking around and looking at each other almost with a lack of belief in each other. I think that's a worry for Guardiola.
The former England star pinpointed one aspect of the pre-match buildup that he felt epitomised the gulf in class between the teams.
Though City have clearly suffered greatly from the absence of Rodri this season, their injury issues pale in comparison to those of Real Madrid.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti had just one centre-back to call on for the trip to Manchester, 21-year-old Raul Asensio, while Federico Valverde was forced to deputise at right-back.
Rooney suggested that Real's ability to trust in their teammates was in stark contrast to the disbelieving Manchester City on the other side.
I think City, with the injuries they've got...Real Madrid came here without any of their regular back four. I don't think we've heard Ancelotti once talk about that. It sends a clear message to the players that he believes in them to go into those positions and do a job in positions they don't normally play.
I think it's a credit to Ancelotti for that but for the Madrid players tonight.
Many would have expected Real Madrid to go through before Tuesday's tie. However, the way both teams played in the first leg, it will take a miracle from Manchester City in Madrid to reach the last 16.
SEE ALSO: The Definitive Ranking Of Every 2025 League Of Ireland Home Kit
