Man City Defeat Real Madrid 2–1, Leaving Alonso’s Job Hanging by a Thread

Manchester City staged a comeback to defeat Real Madrid 2–1 in their Champions League clash on Wednesday, intensifying uncertainty over Xabi Alonso’s future as manager of the Spanish giants.

Despite missing injured star Kylian Mbappé, Madrid struck first through Rodrygo. But goals from Nico O’Reilly and an Erling Haaland penalty ensured Pep Guardiola’s side secured all three points.

Spanish media had reported beforehand that a loss could seal Alonso’s dismissal, and although Madrid produced a competitive performance, the result drew frustration from the Bernabéu stands.

The record 15-time European champions have now earned just two wins in their last eight games across all competitions, leaving them fighting for a top-eight finish in the league phase standings.

Alonso opted to bench Mbappé due to knee discomfort, calling it “a risk” to play him, and instead started 21-year-old striker Gonzalo Garcia.

Madrid eliminated City in last season’s Champions League play-off round in February, with Mbappé scoring four goals in their 6–3 aggregate victory.

Wednesday’s fixture marked the 15th meeting between both clubs—now a modern Champions League rivalry—and it opened at a furious pace, with Vinícius Júnior central to the early action.

The Brazilian appeared to win a penalty after a challenge by Matheus Nunes, but VAR ruled the foul occurred outside the box. Federico Valverde then saw a fierce free-kick deflected wide by O’Reilly, before Vinícius narrowly missed after connecting with a low cross from Rodrygo.

Madrid deservedly went ahead in the 28th minute when Alvaro Carreras launched a move that ended with Jude Bellingham slipping in Rodrygo, who fired early and low into the far corner.
The goal ended his run of 33 matches without scoring and marked his fifth career strike against City.

City equalised in the 35th minute following an error from Thibaut Courtois, who spilled Josko Gvardiol’s header, allowing O’Reilly to tap in.

Guardiola was unimpressed with City’s first-half showing, but his side entered the break ahead after Antonio Rüdiger held Haaland, resulting in a penalty. The Norwegian calmly sent Courtois the wrong way.

Courtois redeemed himself with vital stops to deny Haaland and Rayan Cherki before halftime, and later turned away an effort from Jeremy Doku.

Bellingham had a chance to level but chipped over after a clever pass from Rodrygo. Alonso introduced Arda Güler and later 19-year-old Endrick, who went close with a header in the closing minutes.

Madrid struggled to create clear openings after the break, adding to pressure on Alonso as the club weighs its next steps.

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