City Sink Madrid 2–1 as Pressure Mounts on Alonso

Manchester City came from behind to defeat Real Madrid 2–1 in their Champions League clash on Wednesday, tightening the scrutiny on Los Blancos manager Xabi Alonso.

Rodrygo had handed Madrid the lead midway into the first half, but City hit back through Nico O’Reilly before Erling Haaland converted a penalty to seal all three points for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Spanish reports had suggested Alonso’s job was on the line ahead of the encounter, and the defeat, making it Madrid’s sixth winless result in eight games.

With Kylian Mbappé sidelined by a knee complaint, Alonso opted for young striker Gonzalo Garcia while Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham carried much of Madrid’s attacking burden.

The hosts started brightly and deservedly went ahead in the 28th minute through Rodrygo, who ended a 33-game goal drought.

City equalised seven minutes later after goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois spilled a Josko Gvardiol header, leaving O’Reilly to tap in.

Haaland struck from the spot shortly before half-time after Antonio Rüdiger was penalised for holding.

Madrid pushed for a response in the second half, with substitutes Arda Güler and Endrick adding fresh energy, but they failed to carve out clear chances.

Bellingham came closest, chipping over the bar after being played through by Rodrygo.

The defeat leaves Madrid in a difficult position as they battle to secure a top-eight finish in the league-phase standings and could further endanger Alonso’s tenure at the Bernabéu.