Manchester City produced a thrilling comeback to deal a heavy blow to Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, securing a 2-1 victory at the Bernabéu on Wednesday.
Erling Haaland, marking his 50th Champions League appearance with his 51st goal, and Nico O’Reilly found the net as Pep Guardiola’s side bounced back from last month’s shock defeat to Bayer Leverkusen.
After falling behind to Rodrygo’s 28th-minute strike, City struck twice in the final 10 minutes of the first half. Haaland converted a penalty before O’Reilly pounced on a loose ball from a corner to give the visitors the lead.
Madrid created opportunities to respond but were hampered by the absence of their star forward Kylian Mbappé, who watched from the bench due to injury.
The loss followed Saturday’s disappointing defeat to Celta Vigo, leaving Alonso under mounting pressure.
The match, the 11th meeting between the sides in under six years, started at a frantic pace. City survived an early scare when a penalty awarded to Real for a foul on Vinícius Júnior was overturned by VAR, ruling the foul outside the area. Federico Valverde’s resulting free kick was deflected wide.
Moments later, Madrid’s relentless attack paid off. Rodrygo capitalized on a quick transition, receiving a pass from Jude Bellingham, and fired a low shot across Gianluigi Donnarumma into the far corner.
City responded through a set-piece route. O’Reilly equalized after Courtois parried a Josko Gvardiol header from a corner but failed to hold onto it.
City then earned a penalty when Antonio Rüdiger fouled Haaland off the ball, a decision confirmed after VAR review. Haaland calmly sent Courtois the wrong way to complete the turnaround.
The first half still held chances for City to extend their lead, but Courtois made key saves from Haaland and Rayan Cherki. Early in the second half, the Real goalkeeper was again tested when Cherki’s shot deflected off him.
The game remained tense, with Madrid pressing in the final stages. Bellingham lifted a breakaway over the bar, Rüdiger headed wide, and Vinícius volleyed off target before substitute Endrick struck the bar, but City held on for a crucial win.
