Real Madrid vs Manchester City Review
Manchester City added to the troubles of Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso by coming from behind to win 2-1 in the UEFA Champions League, securing only their second-ever victory at the Bernabéu. Within the first five minutes, Vinícius Júnior went down inside the penalty area after a challenge from Matheus Nunes, and although referee Clément Turpin initially awarded a penalty, VAR review showed the foul occurred outside the box. Valverde’s free-kick from that spot narrowly missed the goal, and Vini Jr. then chipped a shot just over the crossbar as Madrid tried to take advantage of City’s slow start.
The visitors had not managed a single shot in the first 30 minutes and were eventually punished during that period. A quick Real counter-attack saw Rodrygo positioned on the right side, and he confidently fired a shot into the far corner, ending a long 32-game goal drought. With their first significant opportunity in the match, City responded when Gvardiol rose highest to make the initial contact on Cherki’s corner, enabling Nico O’Reilly to tap in the rebound from close range inside the six-yard box. The game took a dramatic turn moments later when Antonio Rüdiger, in a moment of madness, pulled Erling Haaland down inside the penalty area.
Although the foul was initially missed by the referee, a quick review on the pitch-side monitor led to a penalty being awarded, and Haaland confidently converted the spot-kick. After the restart, Bellingham missed a great chance to level the score for Madrid by chipping the ball over the crossbar as he approached the goal. Xabi Alonso made substitutions in an effort to shift the momentum, but these changes didn’t have the intended impact. It was rather one of their starting players, Vini Jr, who missed two excellent opportunities to equalize.
Endrick nearly rescued his manager when his header hit the crossbar. City faced continuous pressure towards the end but defended well to secure an important win in their effort to qualify automatically for the last 16. The final whistle in Madrid was met with whistles and jeers, increasing doubts about Alonso’s position following consecutive home losses.
