Real Madrid’s recent woes deepened on Wednesday as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabéu in their latest UEFA Champions League group-stage clash. Following a string of poor results in La Liga—four points dropped in five matches—the pressure on coach Xabi Alonso continues to mount.
Match Summary
Despite missing key players, including defenders Dani Carvajal and Militao, as well as Kylian Mbappé in attack, Real Madrid struck first. On 28 minutes, the visitors were momentarily subdued by a swift counterattack orchestrated by Vinicius Jr., Rodrigo, and Jude Bellingham. Rodrigo capitalised on a precise pass from Bellingham to score with a deft close-range strike, marking his first goal of the season and his first competitive goal in 32 matches across all competitions since March.
| Team | Goalscorers | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid | Rodrigo (28′) | Scored first despite missing Mbappé; capitalised on counterattack |
| Manchester City | Nico O’Riley (35′), Erling Haaland (43′ pen) | Equalised and secured lead; O’Riley capitalised on goalkeeper error; Haaland converted penalty |
| Venue | Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid | Home defeat for Real |
| Competition | UEFA Champions League | Group-stage match |
| Referee | N/A | N/A |
City’s Response and Turning Point
Real’s lead was short-lived, largely due to a goalkeeping lapse from Thibaut Courtois. In the 35th minute, Ryan Cherki’s corner found Yosska Gvardiol, whose header forced an awkward save. The ball rebounded directly to Nico O’Riley, who tapped it into the net from close range to level the score.
City then seized the lead eight minutes later. Antonio Rüdiger’s misjudged challenge on Erling Haaland inside the box awarded City a penalty. The Norwegian striker made no mistake, sending Courtois the wrong way and putting City ahead 2-1.
Towards the end of the first half, Real came close to conceding a third. Haaland unleashed a powerful shot from ten yards, parried by Courtois, while Cherki’s follow-up attempt was also expertly blocked by the Belgian goalkeeper.
Implications for Real Madrid
This defeat adds to Real Madrid’s mounting pressure in both La Liga and the Champions League, with Alonso’s squad now struggling to find consistency. The absence of Mbappé in attack, combined with injuries to Carvajal and Militao, clearly disrupted defensive organisation and offensive rhythm.
Despite Rodrigo’s promising strike, Real were unable to maintain momentum against a clinical City side, who displayed ruthless efficiency in converting chances. The result leaves Real Madrid needing to regroup quickly if they hope to salvage their Champions League campaign and close the gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona.
City’s performance, meanwhile, reinforces their reputation as one of Europe’s most formidable attacking teams, combining fluid possession, high pressing, and sharp finishing to exploit defensive vulnerabilities.