The “El Clásico of Europe” lived up to its heavyweight billing last night as Manchester City pulled off a crucial 2-1 comeback victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu in a high-stakes UEFA Champions League encounter.
Real Madrid struck first in the 28th minute, easing some of the tension surrounding their recent struggles. Rodrygo, who had been enduring an extended goal drought, finished off a sharp counter-attack with precision to give the hosts the lead.
But City responded almost immediately. Just seven minutes after the opener, a chaotic sequence following a corner left the ball at the feet of young midfielder Nico O’Reilly, who showed composure beyond his years to slot home the equaliser—his first-ever Champions League goal.
The momentum swung fully in City’s favour just before halftime. A clear penalty was awarded after Antonio Rüdiger hauled down Erling Haaland inside the box. Haaland stepped up with trademark confidence, burying the spot-kick in the 43rd minute to complete the turnaround.
Despite Real Madrid’s late push, City maintained control and saw out the victory, a result that propels them into fourth place in the League Phase standings and strengthens their bid for a Top 8 finish—and with it, automatic qualification for the Round of 16.
For Real Madrid, the defeat deepens an already worrisome slump. Coupled with their recent domestic struggles, the loss ramps up pressure on manager Xabi Alonso, with the Spanish giants now sliding to seventh and needing an immediate response to keep their Champions League campaign on track.
