**Real Madrid Beats Manchester City, Bellingham Scores Twice in Champions League Group Stage Round 2**
In the thrilling opening round of the UEFA Champions League group stage, Real Madrid emerged victorious over Manchester City with a comprehensive 4-1 victory on Tuesday night. The match was played at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and featured a dominant performance from both teams.
### Match Highlights
1. **Early Goals:**
- In the first half, Manchester City had the better chances but failed to capitalize. Sergio Aguero nearly scored from distance, while Kevin De Bruyne's effort was saved by Real Madrid goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
- At halftime, the score remained 1-0 in favor of Manchester City, as Sergio Agüero's goal proved crucial for the hosts.
2. **Second Half Dominance:**
- The second half saw Real Madrid take control of the game. Gareth Bale opened the scoring with a powerful left-footed strike from outside the box.
- Moments later, Lucas Vázquez doubled Real Madrid’s lead with a fine finish from close range after a clever pass from Karim Benzema.
- The match reached its climax when Eden Hazard added another goal, converting a penalty kick that Manuel Neuer had initially saved.
3. **Bellingham’s Double:**
- Notably, Manchester City’s striker, Harry Bellingham, scored twice in this match. His first goal came from a free-kick in the 75th minute, and his second goal came in the 89th minute, securing the win for Real Madrid.
### Analysis
Real Madrid’s victory marked a significant boost for their campaign in the Champions League. They now have two points out of three matches, putting them in a strong position to advance further into the knockout stages. The team showed resilience and adaptability, particularly under pressure, which is crucial for maintaining momentum throughout the tournament.
Manchester City, despite their early goals, were unable to overcome the formidable defenses of Real Madrid. Their inability to convert their chances into goals highlighted some areas for improvement in their attacking play.
### Conclusion
The victory for Real Madrid against Manchester City in this group stage round is a testament to their strength and determination. It sets up a challenging next round where they will face either Lyon or Napoli, each of whom has shown impressive performances so far. With a solid foundation laid down, Real Madrid remains one of the favorites to progress through the competition.
For Manchester City, the loss leaves them with only one point from their first two matches. The club will need to focus on improving their defensive solidity and finding more consistent goalscoring opportunities if they want to compete effectively in the upcoming rounds.