Stones left ‘angry’ and ‘frustrated’ after blowing lead in Real Madrid defeat

John Stones was left “angry” and “frustrated” by Manchester City’s late collapse in a 3-2 defeat by Real Madrid in their Champions League knockout play-off first leg.

Real secured the victory through two late goals by Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham after Erling Haaland had put City ahead from the penalty spot in the 80th minute.

City led through Haaland’s first of the game after 10 minute before Kylian Mbappe levelled the game in the second half ahead of the dramatic finale at the Etihad.

It continues Pep Guardiola’s side’s uncharacteristic struggles this season, with the Premier League’s fifth-place side now set to head to the Bernabeu next week needing to overturn a goal deficit in order to reach the last 16.

Stones told Amazon Prime: “A few games after the Arsenal one [5-1 defeat], I don’t know how to put it into words straight away, it’s so raw and frustrating for everyone.

“We were in the game until so late and then it’s two situations that happen and we concede. It’s frustrating as a defender to come away with that result.

“It’s a feeling of anger and frustration.”

IT’S HAPPENED AGAIN!

Man City AGONY at the Etihad as Real Madrid lead! 😳#UCLonPrime pic.twitter.com/vLL8j9Wuz6

— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) February 11, 2025

Their late defeat was the ninth time City have failed to win after leading in the game, which is as many times as in their previousd four seasons.

The England defender added: “We need to see games out better. The manager said we need to take accountability for what we do on the pitch, I think we do that. We need to step up when these bad moments happen.

“Today we had a great opportunity to go to the Bernabeu with a 2-1 lead. It’s not done. We have to stay positive, which is difficult now. As the manager says we need to look at ourselves and take accountability.”

“We were right on top at the start of the game and we know Real have quality to come out in the second half. It is avoidable from us as the eleven on the pitch. We have to do better – it’s as simple as that.

“We have to keep a positive mentality and try to put it right.”

Bellingham: We played some of our best football of the season

Match-winner Bellingham felt Real were deserving of the victory after an impressive start to the game despite going behind and says his late goal could be crucial ahead of the return leg.

He said: “It was a weird one. We played some of our best football of the season and ended up behind.

“I think we were playing well and creating a lot. We were always confident throughout the game that something would drop for us.

“I don’t care what form City are in they are still an unbelievable team. It’s always tricky to play against them and we finally took the chance at the end.

“It’s always good to take a lead back home and I’m sure the Bernabeu will come through for us.

It seems like there is up and downs in these knockout games. It’s not just game management, it’s tactical and it’s physiological as well.”