Manchester City stages comeback against Real Madrid
Manchester City produced a stunning fightback at the Santiago Bernabeu, overturning a one-goal deficit to secure a superb Champions League triumph against Real Madrid, reports BritPanorama.
The Spanish giants took an early lead but ultimately succumbed to a 2-1 defeat that has intensified scrutiny on manager Xabi Alonso. This latest setback, having surrendered their advantage against Pep Guardiola’s side, will only add to the mounting pressure on the La Liga club’s dugout.
Real Madrid’s preparations were dealt a significant blow when top scorer Kylian Mbappe was restricted to the substitutes’ bench due to fitness concerns, with the France captain never entering the fray. The hosts nearly capitalised early on when Vinicius Jr was brought down by Matheus Nunes in the penalty area; however, VAR intervened to award a free-kick just outside the box instead.
Federico Valverde’s subsequent strike deflected narrowly past the post, while Vinicius squandered another opportunity shortly after. City appeared to have steadied themselves before Rodrygo latched onto Jude Bellingham’s diagonal ball and fired home his first goal since January.
The visitors drew level just seven minutes later through their first genuine chance of the match, with academy product Nico O’Reilly prodding in from close range after Thibaut Courtois inadvertently pushed Josko Gvardiol’s header back into the danger area. City completed their turnaround moments before the interval when Erling Haaland converted from the spot, having been wrestled to the ground by Antonio Rudiger inside the box.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Haaland admitted Mbappe’s absence provided a mental lift for the visitors. “When a player like that is out – you’re not happy because you want to play the best – but it gives you a bit of a psychological boost,” the striker said.
On the decisive penalty, Haaland referenced his ongoing duels with Rudiger: “With Antonio Rudiger as well we have had some great battles, but today he wanted it too much and we got the penalty.” Guardiola gave a frank assessment of his side’s performance, stating, “Could be better. So difficult here. Four or five players played for the first time here.”
He added, “Winning here we have to be happy in terms of points especially. We have 13 and it’s in our hands to finish in the top eight. That’s the target and winning here after Leverkusen is good.” City will take significant confidence from this result as they look to solidify their position in the league. In a landscape where fortunes shift quickly, last night’s match serves as a reminder of the fine margins that define success at this elite level.
