Real Madrid vs Manchester City: Los Blancos rue missing Mbappe as Haaland leads Cityzens to crucial win

LaLiga giants Real Madrid missed the injured Kylian Mbappe as Manchester City came from behind to secure a 2-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Erling Haaland scored the winner from the penalty spot after both sides traded goals from Rodrygo and Nico O'Reilly with all three strikes coming in the first half.

Real Madrid and Manchester City delivered a dramatic Champions League spectacle, with the match bursting into life inside the first five minutes.

Vinícius Júnior went down under a challenge from Matheus Nunes, and although the referee initially gave a penalty, VAR ruled the foul occurred outside the area.

Madrid pushed hard early, with Valverde and Vini Jr both going close, before Rodrygo ended a 32-game goal drought by finishing a rapid counter-attack to give the hosts the lead.

City, who failed to create a chance for over half an hour, struck back immediately through Nico O’Reilly after Joško Gvardiol won a header from a corner. Moments later, Antonio Rüdiger dragged Erling Haaland down in the box, and after VAR intervention, the Norwegian fired City ahead from the spot.

Madrid wasted several huge opportunities after the break, with Jude Bellingham and Vini Jr both missing clear chances.

Xabi Alonso’s substitutions offered little improvement, though Endrick came closest when his header rattled the crossbar.

City resisted heavy late pressure to secure a crucial victory and move toward automatic qualification for the last 16. Loud boos filled the Bernabéu at full time, intensifying scrutiny on Alonso after consecutive home defeats.