UCL: Haaland, O’Reilly strike as Alonso’s Madrid sink against Man City
Real Madrid’s crisis deepened on Wednesday night as Manchester City secured a 2-1 win at the Bernabéu, leaving Xabi Alonso’s job on the line after just seven months in charge.
Pep Guardiola, already an unpopular figure in Madrid from his Barcelona days, returned to inflict more damage, this time with a victory that exposed Madrid’s frailties and amplified pressure on his former Bayern Munich protégé.
Madrid start strong but collapse quickly
Despite their struggles in La Liga and a long injury list, Madrid opened brightly. Rodrygo ended his 32-game goal drought with a composed finish after a well-timed pass from Jude Bellingham, giving the hosts the lead they deserved.
The momentum didn’t last. Within five minutes, City were level as Nico O’Reilly reacted quickest to a Thibaut Courtois spill. Madrid’s appeals for a foul on Ruben Dias were dismissed, and City seized control.
Man City beat Real Madrid at the Bernabeu – Getty image
Haaland turns the tide
O’Reilly then combined with Jeremy Doku before floating a cross toward Erling Haaland, who was hauled down by Antonio Rüdiger.
After VAR intervention, the penalty was awarded, and Haaland, unfazed after his recent miss against Liverpool, sent Courtois the wrong way.
City nearly added a third before the break, with Courtois producing a double save to deny Haaland and Rayan Cherki.
Madrid chase the game but fall short
Alonso’s side pushed hard in the second half. Bellingham attempted a delicate chip that landed on the roof of the net, while Vinícius Júnior squandered two promising chances. Substitute Endrick struck the crossbar late on, summing up a night of frustration.
City, meanwhile, continued to create chances of their own, with Courtois keeping the deficit respectable as Cherki and Doku caused persistent problems.
