Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Manchester City came from behind to defeat Real Madrid 2-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday, increasing the pressure on Madrid coach Xabi Alonso. Playing without injured star Kylian Mbappe, Madrid took the lead through Rodrygo, but City quickly turned the match around with goals from Nico O’Reilly and Erling Haaland, earning Pep Guardiola’s team an important win at a tense Bernabeu Stadium. Reports in Spain suggested that a loss could put Alonso’s job at risk, and despite Madrid showing effort, the result added to the growing concerns.
Madrid, the record 15-time champions, have now won only two of their last eight matches. They are also struggling to stay in the top eight positions of the league phase. Guardiola admitted that Madrid were superior until the first goal but praised his team for fighting back. Alonso explained that Mbappe remained on the bench due to knee discomfort and said playing him would have been a risk. Young striker Gonzalo Garcia was given a start instead.
Madrid’s strong first-half play paid off when Rodrygo ended his long goal drought by scoring in the 28th minute. The Brazilian finished a move started from deep inside their half, guiding the ball past Gianluigi Donnarumma. It was his first goal in 33 games and his fifth against City. Rodrygo celebrated by hugging Alonso, saying later that the players wanted to show they were united with their coach during this difficult period.
City equalised unexpectedly in the 35th minute after goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois failed to hold a Gvardiol header, allowing O’Reilly to score easily. Before halftime, Antonio Rudiger brought down Haaland in the box, giving City a penalty. Haaland confidently converted, sending Courtois the wrong way. The Madrid goalkeeper later denied Haaland and Cherki with key saves, but Madrid could not score again in the second half.
Fans whistled the team during the match as Madrid struggled to create chances. Even the introduction of young forward Endrick did not change the outcome, though he hit the crossbar near the end. Madrid looked short of ideas, and discussions about Alonso’s future intensified after the defeat. Defender Raul Asencio later said the players were fully behind their coach, insisting the team would continue working together to improve.
Despite the loss, Madrid players expressed hope of recovering their form, but the growing pressure, fan frustration, and poor results have left Alonso’s position uncertain.
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