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.
The Spanish giants took an early lead but ultimately succumbed to a 2-1 defeat that has intensified scrutiny on manager Xabi Alonso.
The former midfielder’s position appears increasingly precarious amid a difficult domestic campaign and reported tensions with his squad.
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.
Manchester City came from behind to beat Real Madrid, with Nico O’Reilly netting the equaliser from a corner
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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 inside two minutes when Vinicius Jr was brought down by Matheus Nunes in the penalty area, though 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 afterwards.
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 had inadvertently pushed Josko Gvardiol’s header back into the danger area.
Erling Haaland scored from the penalty spot after he was initially brought down by Antonio Rudiger in the box
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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.
The Norwegian striker might have extended the lead further, but the Belgian goalkeeper produced a remarkable stop to keep his side within touching distance.
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.
He described the contest as “chaotic” but emphasised the significance of the result following City’s recent defeat to Leverkusen.
Xabi Alonso was already fighting for his job before this latest defeat at homeq
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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.”
Speaking after, Guardiola gave a frank assessment of his side’s performance.
He told TNT Sports: “Could be better. So difficult here. Four or five players played for the first time here.
“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.
Pep Guardiola was pleased with his side’s performance against Real Madrid
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“Matheus [Nunes] was good. Full-backs, Rayan Cherki first time playing here. Nico [O’Reilly] incredible performance.
“Jeremy [Doku] helped us a lot with many things. We started with a mistake but I was expecting them to press higher but they dropped and we found it hard. But we take it.
“Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr, [Jude] Bellingham, great players. The pace they have up front is so dangerous, that’s why you can’t stay high you have to be committed int defence. We lacked a little bit so we can improve.”
