Man City completes comeback against Real Madrid as Xabi Alonso's future turns critical

Score: Man City 2-1 Real Madrid

Man City: Nico O'Reilley (35'), Erling Haaland (43') (P)

Real Madrid: Rodrygo (28')

Playing their second consecutive match at the Bernabéu, Real Madrid started without Kylian Mbappé, with Gonzalo García leading the line. Alonso opted for Dani Ceballos and Aurélien Tchouaméni in midfield. Manchester City, meanwhile, fielded a familiar starting XI with no major changes.

Right from kickoff, Vinícius Júnior went down inside the box, but the referee waved play on. Real Madrid continued pressing with quick counterattacks and eventually broke the deadlock. In the 27th minute, Álvaro Carreras dispossessed Bernardo Silva, switched play to the right for Rodrygo, and the Brazilian hammered in a brilliant finish to make it 1-0.

Just seven minutes later, City equalized. From a left-side corner, Joško Gvardiol rose highest to head the ball toward goal. Thibaut Courtois spilled it, allowing Nico O’Reilly to pounce and score the rebound. 

In the 43rd minute, Erling Haaland was dragged down by Antonio Rüdiger during another corner. After a VAR review, the referee awarded City a penalty. Haaland converted confidently into the bottom-right corner, giving City a 2-1 halftime lead.

The second half produced no further goals, as both teams pushed but failed to finish their chances. The match ended 2-1 to Manchester City - Real Madrid’s second straight home defeat at the Bernabéu.

The loss has intensified scrutiny on Xabi Alonso, especially after pre-match reports claimed he could be dismissed if he lost to City. Still, both goals conceded came from individual errors rather than tactical flaws, raising questions about how fair such a decision would be. The next move from Madrid’s board will be decisive, as Alonso has been in charge for only half a season.

For Manchester City, this victory is crucial, keeping them inside the top eight with 13 points after six games. Pep Guardiola’s side now faces two manageable opponents - Bodø/Glimt and Galatasaray - in their remaining fixtures.