Erling Haaland scored his 34th goal for club and country this season as Manchester City beat Real Madrid 2-1, putting Xabi Alonso’s position as the Spanish giants’ manager in serious jeopardy.
Madrid, who were without superstar Kylian Mbappé injured, took the lead on Wednesday with a goal from Rodrigo, but penalties from Nico O’Reilly and Haaland ensured Josep Guardiola’s City secured the three points.
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Spanish media reported before the match that, despite the frustrating final result at the Bernabéu stadium, the team’s performance was commendable, but defeat would seal Alonso’s fate as Madrid manager.
The team, who have won the Champions League a record 15 times, have only won two of their last eight games in all competitions and face a battle for a top eight spot in the league phase table.
Alonso was forced to leave Mbappé, the team’s top scorer, on the bench as it was a “risk” to use him while he was suffering from discomfort in his knee, and started 21-year-old striker Gonzalo Garcia in his place.
Madrid defeated City in the playoff round of last season’s Champions League in February, winning 6-3 on aggregate with Mbappé scoring four goals.
It was the 15th time the two teams met in what has become a modern Champions League classic, and the match started at lightning speed, with Vinicius Junior heavily involved in the early exchanges.
Madrid’s Brazilian forward was brought down by Matheus Nunez and the referee pointed to the spot, but a VAR check revealed the contact was outside the area.
Fede Valverde’s powerful free-kick was deflected wide by O’Reilly before Rodrygo whipped in a perfect low cross for Vinicius to dip just wide of goal, knocking City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma off his line.
It was no surprise that the home side took the lead in the 28th minute when Rodrigo converted a move from Alvaro Carreras at the other end of the pitch.
Madrid broke in front and Jude Bellingham found an early goal for the Brazilian, who slotted the ball past Donnarumma and into the far corner.
It was Rodrygo’s first goal in 33 games, ending Rodrygo’s barren and frustrating days, and his fifth against City. In 2022, Madrid defeated Guardiola’s side in the semi-finals thanks to two spectacular late goals.
Madrid’s opening half-hour was close to perfect, but a mistake from Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois suddenly forced City into an equalizer.
The keeper was unable to contain Josko Gvardiol’s header and in the 35th minute, O’Reilly tapped the ball into the goal with gratitude.
Guardiola was not happy with his team’s performance in the first half, but City were awarded a penalty after Antonio Rudiger took the lead by holding Haaland at the back.
The Norwegian striker, who will face Mbappé’s France in next summer’s World Cup, sent Courtois the wrong way from his spot.
Courtois made up for his earlier mistake with a superb double save to deny Haaland and Rayan Cherki before the break, and Jeremy Doku after the break.
England international Bellingham could have equalized for Madrid, but he fell after a deft slip from Rodrigo.
Alonso introduced Arda Güler in place of Garcia, shifting Bellingham into a central attacking role, similar to the one he enjoyed under manager Carlo Ancelotti in his brilliant first season at Madrid.
The Basque coach also turned his attention to youngster Endrick, who he has barely used since his arrival, and with five minutes left the 19-year-old’s header went inches over the crossbar.
Madrid are short of ideas in the second half and could ask another manager for new ideas in the coming days
Haaland told TNT Sports that it is a difficult place to come and get results.
“We had a lot of chances, but the game was chaotic and we struggled to control it,” he said. “These are the games we want to play. This new format allows us to play more UCL games. We love it.”
Guardiola said the team is still in a transition period and is not yet ready to win the Champions League.
“We’ll be better in February, but one wrong pass and we lose today,” he said.
“The players have put in an incredible effort and their mental strength is incredible, but there is still a long way to go.”
Bellingham defended Alonso after the match, saying he has a “great relationship” with the Madrid manager.
“We kept getting tied, so I thought we were going to run away after that, but we know we have to pick ourselves up again and take it seriously,” Bellingham said.
“This is the team I signed with, one of the most scrutinized teams in the world. I am fully focused on football.”
