Manchester City came from behind to beat Real Madrid 2–1 at the Bernabéu on Wednesday night in round 6 of the Champions League. Madrid started strong and looked ready to take control, and their good start showed when Rodrygo scored the opener in the 28th minute after a quick move on the left side. But City answered fast. Nico O’Reilly made it 1–1 just seven minutes later. Before halftime, City completed the comeback when Rüdiger fouled Jeremy Doku inside the area, and Erling Haaland scored the penalty to make it 2–1.
Real Madrid entered this match hoping to react after their 2–0 loss to Celta Vigo over the weekend. Xabi Alonso’s team wanted to continue their good Champions League run at home, but this defeat stops that streak and keeps them stuck in 7th place. They needed points to stay comfortable in the top eight, and now the pressure grows for the next round.
Manchester City came to the Bernabéu in one of their best moments of the season. They arrived with three straight wins, including a strong 3–0 victory over Sunderland. Their speed, pressure, and direct play made things difficult for Real Madrid’s defense, especially after they equalised. Once City found their rhythm, they controlled most of the second half and used their chance on the first half to turn the game around.
This was the 15th Champions League meeting between Real Madrid and Manchester City. Madrid had more wins before this game (5), City had 4, and 5 ended in draws. With tonight’s result, City get closer in that head-to-head history.
Madrid also had to play without Kylian Mbappé. The French striker, top scorer of the Champions League with nine goals and the player who scored a hat-trick against Olympiacos in their last UCL match, was a doubt after missing training and couldn’t be part of the squad. His absence was clear, especially in the second half, when Madrid struggled to create real danger. Without their main attacking option, they couldn’t find the same threat they usually have in Europe.
On the other side, City had Haaland fully fit and ready. The Norwegian striker came into the game as their top scorer in the competition with five goals, and he added another one tonight with the penalty.
Both teams started the match with the same number of goals conceded in the Champions League (5), but Madrid had the better attack with 12 goals to City’s 10. Tonight, though, Madrid could not build on their early goal, while City were more efficient with their chances and turned the game around.
The second half was slower, with Madrid trying to push but lacking ideas and City managing their lead well. Real created a few chances near the end, but none were strong enough to beat City’s defense. City stayed calm, controlled the pace, and protected their advantage until the final whistle.
Real Madrid now prepare for their next Champions League game at home against AS Monaco on 20 January 2026, a key match for their hopes in the league phase. Manchester City will play away to Bodø/Glimt on the same night, looking to keep this positive run going and continue closing in on the top eight. With the competition getting tighter, both games will be important for their European path.