Real Madrid fans branded "idiots" after being filmed leaving Man City game early

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Real Madrid fans who missed the club's epic Champions League comeback win over Manchester City after leaving the Santiago Bernabeu early have been branded "idiots".

Los Blancos found themselves a goal behind heading into the second leg on Wednesday night after City edged a seven-goals thriller at the Etihad last week. Riyad Mahrez then swept home to give Pep Guardiola's side a commanding two-goal advantage with a just over 15 minutes remaining and seemingly end Real Madrid's hopes of claiming a 14th European crown.

With their side on the cusp of a Champions League exit, a number of the Spanish side's fans were seen departing the Bernabeu early having given up all hope of seeing their team pull off the most remarkable of comebacks. It would prove to be a decision those fans will regret for the rest of their days.

Against all odds, Real struck twice in stoppage through substitute Rodrygo to stun City, the Bernabeu and all of the football world, and send the match to extra time. While the club's disbelieving fans still in attendance were able to enjoy another 30 minutes of the stunning spectacle – a 30 minutes which included a Karim Benzema winner from the spot – those that escaped early were left scrambling to see the game's conclusion.

Footage from outside the historic arena showed Real Madrid fans desperately trying to re-enter the stadium, attempting to watch through barriers and huddling around phones in order to witness the game's climax. One particularly damning image showed a man slumped on the curb, surrounded by empty cans, clutching his device in desperation.

And it's fair to say football fans across the world had little sympathy for those who turned their backs on their own side. One spectator who posted footage of fans scrambling outside the arena, wrote: "Bad night to have made an early escape from the Bernabeu."

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In response, one fan replied, "Idiots the lot of them," as another added, "Absolute muppets." A different individual quipped: "They'll always have the memories of how they beat the traffic, though."

Long after the full-time whistle, Real Madrid's euphoric fans partied inside their historic arena as their heroes completed a lap of honour and celebrated wildly on the pitch in t-shirts marking the triumph. Outside the stadium, those that left early were left to rue their extraordinary error of judgement.

Wednesday night's sensational comeback is the third round in succession in which Real Madrid have battled back from the brink to progress, having overturned both Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea against all odds. Liverpool are now the only team standing in between them and a 14th European crown come the Champions League final in Paris on May 28.

• Real Madrid FC
• Champions League
• Manchester City FC

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