Haaland Silences Madrid As City Expose Alonso’s Crisis at the Bernabeu

Madrid Strike First In a Wild Opening

Real Madrid started fast in another high-intensity clash between these European giants. The Bernabeu was roaring as Vinícius Júnior caused early chaos, winning what looked like a penalty. VAR stepped in and ruled the foul happened outside the box, but Madrid kept pushing.

Their breakthrough came moments later. Álvaro Carreras battled past Bernardo Silva, Jude Bellingham released Rodrygo, and the Brazilian drilled a perfect low shot across Gianluigi Donnarumma. Madrid deserved their early lead, and City suddenly looked vulnerable.

City Answer With Ruthless Efficiency

Despite Madrid’s spark, City were never passive. They built several sharp attacks, but the final touch was missing. That changed when Nico O’Reilly reacted fastest after Thibaut Courtois spilled Josko Gvardiol’s header from a corner. O’Reilly smashed in the equaliser from close range, turning the entire mood of the stadium.

The momentum flipped completely minutes later. Antonio Rüdiger pulled Erling Haaland to the ground with the ball nowhere near him. After a long VAR review, the penalty was confirmed. Haaland stayed ice-cold and sent Courtois the wrong way for his 51st Champions League goal in only 50 starts. City walked into halftime with a stunning 2-1 lead.

Madrid Push But Waste Key Chances

Madrid returned desperate to save both the match and their manager. Courtois redeemed himself with strong stops from Haaland and Rayan Cherki just before and after the break. City stayed dangerous but the game opened up, turning into a frantic back-and-forth.

Madrid then had their moment. Bellingham burst through the midfield but lifted his shot over the crossbar. Rüdiger headed wide soon after and Vinícius spun for a difficult volley that flew off target as frustration grew.

The Late Drama Isn’t Enough

Madrid piled bodies forward in the final minutes. Endrick rose highest from a deep cross and powered a header that crashed off the bar. It was the closest Madrid came to rescuing the night.

With Kylian Mbappé injured and watching from the bench, Madrid lacked a true finisher when they needed one most. The whistles at full time told the whole story. This defeat, coming right after the loss to Celta Vigo, leaves Xabi Alonso under huge pressure and City fully back in the European race.