Haaland on target as City fight back to topple Real Madrid at Bernabéu

Manchester City defeated Real Madrid 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu in a thrilling Champions League encounter on Wednesday night.

The hosts had a penalty shout-out in the opening two minutes of the game after Matheus Nunes clipped Vinicius Junior at the edge of the area.

The referee pointed to the spot, but VAR intervened and gave a free kick, as the Brazilian was tripped just outside the box. Valverde’s effort from the set-piece took a deflection and narrowed just wide for a corner.

Minutes later, Rodrygo found Vinicius with a low ball to the back post, but the winger’s attempted chip over an onrushing Donnarumma went just wide of the near post.

Los Blancos continued to mount pressure on the Citizens’ backline and almost got the breakthrough in the 18th minute via Tchouameni, but Rodrygo’s delivery from a free-kick was headed off target by the Frenchman.

Just before the half-hour mark, Rodrygo broke the deadlock, giving Madrid the deserved lead after Carreras dispossessed Bernardo Silva and Bellingham gained possession in midfield, picking out Rodrygo to his right, who then drilled in a low shot to the bottom corner for his first goal in 33 matches.

Seven minutes later, Nico O’Reilly levelled the proceedings when he thumped in from close range Courtois’ save from a corner. VAR checked the goal for an infringement, but the goal was given.

In the 43rd minute, the visitors were awarded a penalty following a VAR review after Antonio Rudiger barged Erling Haaland to the ground, and the Norwegian converted coolly from the spot.

City resumed the break with high intensity, looking to double their advantage, as Rayan Cherki’s low effort took two deflections, but Courtois gathered the shot.

At the other end, Rodrygo saw his curling effort sail well over the bar.

Moments later, Doku’s curler into the far corner was parried away for a corner by Courtois.

Los Blancos searched for an equaliser and almost got it in the 78th minute after Rodrygo’s inswinger cross into the box was headed just wide of the top right corner.

Minutes later, the Brazilian got another chance to draw the host level, but his volley from Donnarumma’s clearance was blasted over the bar.

In the closing stages of the match, Endrick’s header from Carreras’ cross clipped the top of the bar, and City left Spain with all three points.