Ronaldo stuns City late on

Cristiano Ronaldo was the hero as Real Madrid turned around a deficit late on to break Manchester City hearts in a 3-2 win at the Bernabeu.

Late goals see Manchester City's dream trip to Madrid end in defeat

Cristiano Ronaldo was the hero as Real Madrid turned around a deficit late on to break Manchester City hearts in a 3-2 win at the Bernabeu.

Aleksandr Kolarov's free-kick inside the last five minutes of normal time looked to have won this Group D opener in the UEFA Champions League for Roberto Mancini's men.

But substitute Karim Benzema replied moments later and Ronaldo was there to put smiles on Madrid faces - if not his own - when Joe Hart somehow failed to keep out his dipping effort.

All five goals came in a dramatic second half after Jose Mourinho's side had dominated before the break.

But it was City who took the lead when Yaya Toure put Edin Dzeko through on goal and he slotted the ball past Iker Casillas.

Real became increasingly urgent in their attacking play and did find an equaliser through the unlikely source of Marcelo's right foot when his shot took a deflection off Javi Garcia and past Hart.

If that was supposed to bring the Real onslaught there was a twist in the script when Kolarov's right-wing free-kick took a slight deflection off Xabi Alonso into the far corner.

The City fans in the Bernabeu were in delirious mood but the harsh realities of life in the Champions League ensured that their potentially famous win became a devastating defeat just minutes later.

Bold

Mancini had made a bold decision to hand a debut to new signing Matija Nastasic and leave Joleon Lescott on the bench, while fit-again striker Sergio Aguero was also among the substitutes.

David Silva and Gareth Barry also returned to the starting line-up, with Carlos Tevez playing alone up front.

Real went into the game in disappointing form after winning just one of their opening four Primera Liga matches.

Mourinho, under heavy scrutiny, promised not to make major changes but those he did make sent out a clear message.

It was not a surprise that playmaker Mesut Ozil failed to make the starting line-up after some criticism but the absence of defensive lynchpin Sergio Ramos was unexpected.

Raphael Varane came in at the back and looked composed, while Michael Essien's introduction in midfield ahead of another playmaker in Luka Modric added solidity.

There seemed little wrong with the side Mourinho fielded as they dominated possession throughout, but found goalkeeper Hart in inspired form.

Ronaldo twice tested Hart in the opening minutes, first after being released by Essien.

The Portuguese, booed loudly by City's vocal fans, cut inside Vincent Kompany but Hart was equal to his low effort.

Ronaldo then beat Maicon on the left to extend Hart again but City survived.

Alvaro Arbeloa then did well to beat Gael Clichy but Hart saved low down.

Angel di Maria lofted a cross in for Higuain but failed to make firm contact as Hart stood tall. The ball rebounded for Ronaldo to attempt a spectacular effort but it was deflected and Sami Khedira fired over.

Opportunity

City had an opportunity after a good break by Toure but Samir Nasri's effort was blocked.

It proved Nasri's last meaningful involvement as he limped off moments later to be replaced by Kolarov.

City went close again before half-time, Toure again instrumental in their break but Silva was unable to get away a clean shot.

Real finished the first half