Real Madrid earns late 3-2 win over Manchester City in Champions League opener

By Paul Logothetis

Associated Press

Published: Tuesday, Sept. 18 2012 3:35 p.m. MDT

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal reacts during a Group D Champions League soccer match against Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid Tuesday Sept. 18, 2012.

Paul White, Associated Press

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Summary

Cristiano Ronaldo scored in the 90th minute Tuesday as Real Madrid came back earn a 3-2 victory against Manchester City in a Champions League opener that turned into a wild shootout over the last 25 minutes.

MADRID — Cristiano Ronaldo scored in the 90th minute Tuesday as Real Madrid came back earn a 3-2 victory against Manchester City in a Champions League opener that turned into a wild shootout over the last 25 minutes.

City goalkeeper Joe Hart let Ronaldo's dipping shot slip past him after Madrid striker Karim Benzema had equalized in the 87th minute at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

City were pegged back for much of the first half but twice took the lead in a frantic back-and-forth finish. Eden Dzeko scored from a counterattack in the 68th minute before Marcelo's curling shot glanced off Javi Garcia into the net to make it 1-1 in the 76th.

Aleksandar Kolarov looked to have handed the visitors the victory as he curled home a free kick in the 85th before Madrid won the duel between the champions of Spain and England.

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