Manchester City compound Alonso’s woes with 2-1 win over Real Madrid
Manchester City recovered from a goal down to secure a magnificent Champions League victory at perennial winners Real Madrid, leaving La Liga side manager Xabi Alonso precariously holding on to his job.
Alonso is under severe pressure following a poor run in the league and a reported clash of culture with his players, and the heat will now intensify after failing to hold on to their early advantage.
The hosts suffered a blow as leading goalscorer Kylian Mbappe was deemed only fit enough to be on the bench, but the France captain did not make an appearance as his teammates fell to a demoralising defeat.
City almost suffered a nightmare start when Matheus Nunes tripped Vinicius Jr inside the first two minutes. The referee initially pointed to the spot but then awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box after consultation with the video assistant referee (VAR).
Federico Valverde almost converted the resulting effort, but his drilled shot deflected narrowly wide, while Vinicius dinked wide at the far post shortly after. It seemed City had weathered the early storm and were controlling possession before being hit on the break, as Rodrygo collected Jude Bellingham’s cross-field pass and rifled in his first goal since January.
City were behind for just seven minutes, though, as the visitors scored with their first clear opportunity of the contest – academy left-back Nico O’Reilly poking home from close range after Josko Gvardiol’s header was scooped back into the danger zone by Thibaut Courtois.
The English side turned the game around on the stroke of half-time courtesy of Haaland’s penalty after the striker was bundled over in the box by Antonio Rudiger. They could have extended their advantage further, but Courtois made a stunning save to deny the Norwegian.
Real attempted to draw level in the second half, with Bellingham chipping over and substitute Endrick flicking a header that clipped the crossbar, but City held on for a tremendous victory.
