Video: Why Donnarumma backed out when Real Madrid scored against Manchester City

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma found himself in a split-second quandary for Manchester City against Real Madrid, seemingly preferring to give up the goal.

The shot-stopper started tonight’s Champions League Round of 16 tie at the Bernabeu, but was caught out by the opener scored by Federico Valverde.

It was very route one football, as Thibaut Courtois punted a long ball forward, controlled brilliantly by Valverde to go clear on goal.

Donnarumma behaviour explained

As Donnarumma came rushing out to narrow the angle, he seemed to pull his arm away at the last second, so Valverde went around him and managed to steer it into the net from a tricky position.

Former Torino goalkeeper Joe Hart on TNT Sport confirmed the suspicion many had that Donnarumma thought he wasn’t going to get there in time, and that he may well be sliding his way out of the penalty area in the process.

A brilliant assist from Courtois is finished off by Valverde to give Real Madrid the lead against Manchester City @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/hS6f3Pe7Vj

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 11, 2026

That and the fear of giving away a penalty even if it wasn’t a red card, along with the narrowing angle making it a tough finish, prompted the Italian to withdraw his arm and let Valverde through.

It is also not entirely a surprise, considering this was the second assist Courtois has registered in the Champions League this season for Real Madrid.

Thibaut Courtois assist

The Belgian keeper plays a lovely ball out to Fede Valverde who gives Real Madrid the lead pic.twitter.com/EX93BvXlk9

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 11, 2026