Manchester City came from behind to secure a 2-1 Champions League victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, a result that leaves Xabi Alonso under mounting pressure.
Madrid had won just two of their previous seven matches in all competitions, and this latest defeat has intensified scrutiny on the former Spain international’s tenure.
Rodrygo gave the hosts hope with a composed finish in the 28th minute, ending a personal drought of 32 games without a goal. But the lead was short-lived.
Thibaut Courtois parried a shot into the path of Nico O’Reilly, who calmly converted to become the second-youngest English player to score against Madrid in the Champions League.
Erling Haaland then put City ahead from the penalty spot just before half-time after being brought down by Antonio Rüdiger.
Madrid’s response after the break was muted. Jude Bellingham missed a golden chance with a chipped effort, while Vinícius Júnior fired over and substitute Endrick struck the crossbar late on.
City, meanwhile, looked comfortable and Pep Guardiola celebrated his seventh away win against Madrid, a record bettered only against Everton, Arsenal and West Ham.
The defeat added to a worrying trend for Los Blancos. Since the start of last season, they have lost five league-phase matches in the Champions League, equaling the number of group-stage defeats suffered across the previous four campaigns combined.
They have now lost four consecutive meetings with English clubs, their longest such run since a sequence of defeats to Italian sides between 2008 and 2009.
For City, the night carried its own milestones. Haaland’s strike marked his 51st goal in his first 50 Champions League starts, the highest tally ever achieved at that stage of the competition.
Rodrygo, despite Madrid’s defeat, extended his remarkable record against City, with five goals in the Champions League—more than he has managed against any other opponent.
The result not only strengthens City’s position in Europe but also leaves Alonso facing growing doubts about his ability to steady Madrid’s season, with the Bernabéu crowd witnessing another night of frustration.
