Dias insists belief is key to Real Madrid comeback

In the first round of the UEFA Champions League knockout play-offs in the 2024/25 season, Manchester City lost to La Liga champion Real Madrid 2-3 after Haaland scored two goals in the final stage. Manchester City defender Dias said that he and the team knew what challenges they would face in the second round, but the key was to maintain confidence and faith.

In the 19th minute, Grealish made a lob pass to the penalty area, and Haaland received the return pass from Gvardiol and shot the ball into the net, helping Manchester City take the lead 1-0.

In the 60th minute of the second half, Valverde shot with a free kick but it was blocked. Then Ceballos made a pass and Mbappe volleyed the ball to help Real Madrid tie the score at 1-1. In the 77th minute, Foden was knocked down by Ceballos when he dribbled the ball, and Manchester City was awarded a penalty. Then, Haaland scored the penalty kick, helping Manchester City take the lead again with 2-1.

In the 86th minute, Brahim Diaz scored a goal to help Real Madrid tie the score at 2-2. In the second half stoppage time, Vinicius assisted Bellingham to score, helping Real Madrid to overtake 3-2. In the end, Manchester City lost to Real Madrid 2-3 at the Etihad Stadium. In the second round of the play-offs next week, Manchester City will go to the Bernabeu Stadium to challenge Real Madrid.

"Now it all comes down to belief, how much we believe in ourselves and how much we believe we can qualify," said 27-year-old Manchester City defender Dias.

"We know exactly what kind of match awaits us in the second leg. We have been there before and we know the challenge and it will all depend on our belief in ourselves."

Diaz also emphasized, "But the most important thing is that in this team and club, if we believe in ourselves enough and believe that we can win the game, then we can do anything. We have enough firepower to complete any challenge. But the key is that we must have faith."