They think it's all over - and it probably is.
Because another meltdown in Manchester has left Pep Guardiola's men needing a minor miracle in Madrid next week. Guardiola wore that now familiar look of anger and bewilderment at the final whistle of another epic clash between these two footballing powerhouses.
Because when you strip it all back, irrespective of the combined brilliance of both teams, it was Manchester City's ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory which defined this first leg of an absorbing Champions League play off.
Despite Kylian Mbappe's bizarre equaliser after the break, City led through two goals from Erling Haaland. But as the clock went down, so did City's exhausted defence.
Real substitute and former City star Brahim Diaz levelled the scores on 86 minutes, before Jude Bellingham snatched the winner in stoppage time. Who else?
The English champions have now blown a Champions League lead four times this season. While Guardiola's fallen giants have conceded nine goals in the final 16 minutes of European games.
And barring a huge surprise, this latest collapse will prove fatal to City's chances of conquering Europe again. City need no reminding of the magic Real are capable of in the Bernabeu. And this time, Carlo Ancelotti's Galacticos have the advantage of a goal lead heading into the return leg in the Spanish capital.
This clash had needed no introduction - or added spice. But it got one before kick off when home fans unfurled a huge banner of Rodri kissing the Ballon d'Or, with the title of the famous Oasis hit 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out'. To wind up opponents who boycotted the ceremony because Vinicius Jr, who was booed all night, hadn't won the award.
Provoking the Brazilian didn't appear to be the brightest idea. Because he produced two sublime pieces of skill in the opening 10 minutes, which should have led to goals for Mbappe and Ferland Mandy.
"I saw the banner," Vinicius Jr told Spanish TV after the game. "Whenever the opposing fans do things like that they give me more strength to have a great game and here I have done it."
Real had started well, but just like that they fell behind to a brilliant team goal from City. A sweeping move involving Kevin De Bruyne, Grealish and Josko Gvardiol ended with Haaland beating Thibaut Courtois to make it 1-0.
Real almost wiped out the lead within minutes when Vincius curled a shot against the crossbar. Courtois denied Phil Foden with a flying save, before a great block from Raul Asencio stopped Haaland from doubling City's lead.
It was fast, furious and fantastic - and Real looked rattled. But Real's threat remained at large, and Federico Valverde came within a whisker of equalising, before Mbappe shot wide with the goal at his mercy.
Haaland hit the crossbar, but Real were starting to come on strong. And after Bellingham and Mbappe had gone close, City's luck finally ran out. Big time.
Mbappe might be known for his outrageous skill, but he needed some outrageous luck to equalise when he sliced and shinned Dani Ceballos's cross over the line in slow motion. Real could sense blood, but Emerson denied Bellingham.
And when Ceballos tripped Foden with 10 minutes remaining, Haaland converted from the penalty spot nudge City's noses in front. Until City decided to implode again, allowing Diaz and then Bellingham to have the final word.
Who has the final say is still anyone's guess - but the smart money is on the team with European success in its DNA.
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