Manchester City avenged recent Champions League defeats to Real Madrid with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu. The win puts pressure on Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, whose job security is reportedly shaky after a string of disappointing results.

Real Madrid started strongly, with Rodrygo breaking a 32-game goalless streak in the 28th minute. He finished a quick counterattack with a precise shot. However, City responded quickly. Nico O'Reilly capitalized on a corner just seven minutes later to equalize. Erling Haaland then converted a penalty shortly before halftime, giving City the lead. The penalty was conceded by Antonio Ruediger, who wrestled Haaland to the ground.

Real Madrid pushed for an equalizer in the second half, but their efforts were fruitless. They took 10 shots, but none were on target. Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham each had three shots, but failed to convert. City's defense held firm, securing the win.

City's victory was particularly sweet, given that Real Madrid had knocked them out of the Champions League in the previous two seasons. Pep Guardiola's side had only won one of their last seven meetings with Los Blancos, losing the last three.

Guardiola acknowledged the significance of playing at the Bernabéu, noting that many of his players would be experiencing it for the first time. He highlighted the absence of key players like Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker and John Stones, emphasizing the opportunity for new players to prove themselves. Bernardo Silva echoed this sentiment, describing the match as a test of City's ability to perform in a challenging environment.

Alonso, under pressure, had spoken before the match about the need for his team to channel their anger from recent poor results into a positive performance. He emphasized the importance of connecting with the Bernabéu crowd to create a winning atmosphere. He also insisted that he had the full support of the team and the board.

The match was tense and competitive, befitting the high stakes and the history between the two clubs. Real Madrid's defeat leaves them in a precarious position in their Champions League group, increasing the scrutiny on Alonso. Manchester City, meanwhile, will see this victory as a major step towards progressing to the knockout stages.