Manchester City came from behind to beat Real Madrid 2-1 on Wednesday in the Champions League, leaving Xabi Alonso’s position as coach of the Spanish giants in doubt.
Man City strengthened their push for a top-eight finish in the Champions League league phase with a comeback victory at the Bernabeu. Real are already under scrutiny after just two wins from seven matches since early November, scored first when Rodrygo ended a 33-game goal drought.
Without injured superstar Kylian Mbappe, Madrid relied on Rodrygo to lead the line, but Nico O’Reilly’s equaliser and an Erling Haaland penalty secured all three points for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Spanish media had reported before the match that defeat could seal Alonso’s fate. Despite a spirited performance, Madrid’s latest setback deepened the tension inside a frustrated Bernabeu.
The 15-time European champions have now won only two of their last eight games across all competitions and face a serious fight to secure a top-eight finish.
Alonso opted not to risk Mbappe due to knee discomfort, starting 21-year-old Gonzalo Garcia instead. The decision added further scrutiny as Madrid struggled to convert early dominance into a meaningful advantage.
The win moves City up to fourth in the league phase standings, with Bodo/Glimt and Galatasaray still to come in the New Year. Real drop to seventh, with crucial fixtures against Benfica and Monaco ahead as Alonso’s future grows increasingly uncertain.
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