Real Madrid 1-2 Man City, Champions League: Alonso Feels The Heat As MCFC Grab Victory

The pressure was already on Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso and a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday raised further questions about his future. The clash between Madrid and City was the standout game of the round and Alonso had faced reports this week that he had lost control of the locker room. Speculation over his position is likely to intensify after a latest defeat. It’s now just two wins in eight games for Madrid and back-to-back home losses. Rodrygo had put Madrid in front in the 28th minute, but goals from Nico O’Reilly and Erling Haaland before halftime sealed victory for City.

Updated on: 11 December 2025 12:36 pm

Real Madrid vs Manchester City UCL 2025-26 game-

Real Madrid's players stand at the pitch at the end of a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Real Madrid and Manchester City, in Madrid, Spain. | Photo: AP/Manu Fernandez

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Real Madrid vs Manchester City UCL 2025-26 game-2

Manchester City's players celebrate at the end of a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Real Madrid and Manchester City, in Madrid, Spain. | Photo: AP/Manu Fernandez

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Real Madrid vs Manchester City UCL 2025-26 game-Gianluigi Donnarumma

Manchester City's goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, center, fights for a high ball with Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, left, during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Real Madrid and Manchester City, in Madrid, Spain. | Photo: AP/Manu Fernandez

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Real Madrid vs Manchester City UCL 2025-26 game-Matheus Nunes

Manchester City's Matheus Nunes, right, fights for the ball with Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Real Madrid and Manchester City, in Madrid, Spain. | Photo: AP/Manu Fernandez

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Real Madrid vs Manchester City UCL 2025-26 game-Erling Haaland

Manchester City's Erling Haaland, center, celebrates with teammates after scoring their side's second goal during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Real Madrid and Manchester City, in Madrid, Spain. | Photo: AP/Manu Fernandez

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Manchester City's Erling Haaland shoots a penalty kick to score his side's second goal during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Real Madrid and Manchester City, in Madrid, Spain. | Photo: AP/Manu Fernandez

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Real Madrid vs Manchester City UCL 2025-26 game-Jude Bellingham

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham reacts after missing a chance during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Real Madrid and Manchester City, in Madrid, Spain. | Photo: AP/Manu Fernandez

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Real Madrid vs Manchester City UCL 2025-26 game-Rodrygo

Real Madrid's Rodrygo celebrates after scoring the opening goal during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Real Madrid and Manchester City, in Madrid, Spain. | Photo: AP/Manu Fernandez

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Real Madrid vs Manchester City UCL 2025-26 game-Nico Gonzalez

Real Madrid's Rodrygo, left, tussles for the ball with Manchester City's Nico Gonzalez during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Real Madrid and Manchester City, in Madrid, Spain. | Photo: AP/Manu Fernandez

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Manchester City's Nico Gonzalez, left, vies for the ball with Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Real Madrid and Manchester City, in Madrid, Spain. | Photo: AP/Manu Fernandez

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Real Madrid vs Manchester City UCL 2025-26 game-Nico OReilly

Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly, center, celebrates with temmates after scoring their side's first goal during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Real Madrid and Manchester City, in Madrid, Spain. | Photo: AP/Manu Fernandez