On Matchday 6 Manchester City won the Champions League top match at the Bernabéu 2-1, turning around an early lead by the home team. Real started strongly but completely lost control of the game after the equalizer. City presented themselves as efficient, composed, and tactically superior. The defeat intensifies the sporting crisis for the Madrid team, while City takes an important step toward the top 8 round.
The Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City was not just a game, but a classic European soccer match. Before kickoff, the two teams had faced each other in a total of 16 official encounters. Real Madrid had won 6, Manchester City 5, and 5 games had ended in a draw.
Real Madrid started the game with intense pressing and a high level of running. They wanted to disrupt City’s build-up play early on and forced several ball wins in midfield. Jude Bellingham in particular played with a lot of presence in the early stages, setting the tone and driving Madrid’s attacking play. After several half-chances, the deserved 1-0 finally came in the 28th minute. Bellingham played a perfect through ball to Rodrygo, and the Brazilian finished neatly into the far corner.
But Manchester City responded with impressive composure. Instead of letting themselves be intimidated, the team immediately upped the tempo and took advantage of Real’s initial uncertainty. In the 35th minute, Thibaut Courtois deflected a not particularly dangerous shot, and Nico O’Reilly scored the 1-1. This goal completely changed the momentum of the game. While City took control, Real lost stability.
Shortly before halftime, the decisive moment came. A long ball found Haaland, who beat Rüdiger and was brought down in the penalty area. The Norwegian confidently converted the penalty in the 43rd minute to make it 1-2.
In the second half, there was no sign of Real’s initial dominance. The team seemed uninspired when in possession, far too slow to switch play, and barely made it into dangerous areas. Manchester City, on the other hand, managed their lead with great maturity, controlling the rhythm and tempo and leaving Real no room to combine.
There was no real final offensive from Real Madrid. They managed only one shot on goal in 90 minutes, a statistic that exposes the team’s offensive problems. City played out the game confidently and professionally and took three well-deserved points from Madrid.
Manchester City put in an efficient and tactically strong performance at the Bernabéu, while Real Madrid completely lost their way after a good start. The 2-1 away win is not only important for City in terms of the group stage, but also a psychological boost. For Real, on the other hand, it is another setback in a season full of uncertainty.
Looking ahead, both teams are now focused on their remaining Champions League group stage matches. Real Madrid face AS Monaco. Manchester City, meanwhile, continues its campaign with an away game at Bodø/Glimt.