An Erling Haaland penalty completed a dramatic first-half turnaround for Manchester City to give the visitors a win in their blockbuster Champions League clash with Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
Madrid started quickly at home, seeing an early penalty overturned before Vini Jr. missed a golden opportunity within the first 10 minutes, and Rodrygo opened the scoring with a brilliant goal just before the half-hour mark, the Brazilian dragging an accomplished finish past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
But the hosts weren't ahead for long, with City defender Nico O’Reilly getting his side an equaliser as he poked home from a rebound after Gvardiol’s header.
And things quickly got worse for Madrid, with a silly foul from Antonio Rudiger on Haaland giving City a penalty that the Norwegian duly dispatched.
The performance means Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is under increasing pressure, with pre-match reports having suggested that he could face the sack as soon as this week if Los Blancos suffer another set-back.
Follow all of the latest from the Bernabeu with our live blog below:
Real Madrid vs Man City live
- Real Madrid beat Man City in the Champions League, with Haaland scoring winner
- 43' GOAL! Haaland penalty gives City the lead [RMA 1-2 MCI]
- 35' GOAL! O'Reilly pokes home to level it [RMA 1-1 MCI]
- 28' GOAL! Brilliant Rodrygo finish opens scoring [RMA 1-0 MCI]
How Manchester City fightback sealed sweet Champions League revenge on Real Madrid
Wednesday 10 December 2025 22:21 , Chris WilsonIf this is to prove the last game Pep Guardiola manages at the Bernabeu, what a way to go. And if it ends up as Xabi Alonso’s final match in charge of Real Madrid, what a quick, undignified end.
Perhaps, then, it was fitting that an eight-minute meltdown brought Real a second successive home defeat. First Celta Vigo, now Manchester Cityhave triumphed at the Bernabeu. A team with a mere two victories in eight games represent a club with a culture of impatience.
But as Alonso was beaten by a mentor, Guardiola’s seventh win at the Bernabeu may have been his most unlikely, for all Real’s problems. City exited the Champions League in Madrid last season and revived their chances of a top-eight finish in the league phase this year; the damage done by defeat to Bayer Leverkusen was repaired in spectacular fashion.
How Manchester City fightback sealed sweet Champions League revenge on Real Madrid
Champions League results
Wednesday 10 December 2025 23:30 , Chris WilsonThe scores elsewhere tonight:
- Borussia Dortmund 2-2 Bodo/Glimt
- Benfica 2-0 Napoli
- Bayer Leverkusen 2-2 Newcastle
- Athletic Bilbao 0-0 PSG
- Juventus 2-0 Pafos
- Real Madrid 1-2 Manchester City
Pundits rally behind Alonso
Wednesday 10 December 2025 23:15 , Chris WilsonFormer Madrid defender Jonathan Woodgate says that it would be a strange decision for the club to sack Alonso at this point.
“I just hope Xabi Alonso keeps his job. There is no point in hiring a young manager and giving him six months at the biggest club in the world. Zero point,” he explains.
“You may as well hire someone else who is older and a bit wiser. You have to stick with Alonso - you have to!
“You have brought him in from Bayer Leverkusen where he did an incredible Job.
“If they sack him, it will be a shocking decision. He just needs to be given time,” he added.
Bellingham: 'This is what I've signed up for'
Wednesday 10 December 2025 23:00 , Chris WilsonEngland and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham was last to speak to TNT Sports. Here’s what he said:
"We're still trying to work it out within the changing room regardless of what goes on outside. We know that's not helpful. One thing is how we're managing games. Certain points where we have to suffer it feels like we always concede and it puts us on the back foot and makes us have to play a way we don't want to.
"But in the changing room we have what we need to turn it around, we need maybe a bit of luck or maybe something we need to discuss internally. I have faith this season isn't over just because we're in a bad run of form."
When asked if the players are behind the manager, he replies: "100 per cent. The manager has been great. I personally have a great relationship with him and I know a lot of the boys do too. After that run of draws we had some great conversations internally and felt we'd put that form behind us but the last couple of games. No one is downing tools, no one complaining or moaning. We take it on the chin and keep fighting."
On scrutiny on him personally: "Its just life. This is what I've signed up for. I play for the biggest club in the world and one of the most in the world. I don't want pity, I'm living the dream. I role with the punches and the most important thing is that to me."
More from Guardiola
Wednesday 10 December 2025 22:49 , Chris WilsonOn O’Reilly’s performance, Guardiola adds: “Top. It’s difficult for him, [with] Rodrygo, what a player, Vinicius, Bellingham, the pace they have up front, it’s so dangerous, that’s why you can’t stay high. You have to commit in defence, we lacked a bit, but in general the effort was extraordinary.
On Haaland: “The numbers speak for themselves. We have to find him more, he has to be involved in the game, he has not been in the last one or two games, we had to think about it, what can we do to make him more present, but the numbers speak for themselves.
On winning the competition: “We are away, still we are not ready. But in February we will be better. And of course when you play these kinds of games, you are ready to go. We’ve been here and played much better in the past and lost, so football sometimes [is like that]. Coming here is always difficult, that’s why I take it, but still margins to improve,” he added.
Guardiola reacts
Wednesday 10 December 2025 22:44 , Chris WilsonPep Gurdiola spoke to TNT just now. Here’s what the Spaniard said:
“Well, it could be better, of course it’s so difficult. It’s a process, we've got a lot of new players, but winning here I have to be happy, especially in terms of points, we have 13 already. It’s in our hands to finish in the top eight, that’s the target, and winning here after what happened at Leverkusen is good.
“Matheus Nunes played good, Rayan Cherki first time [at the Bernabeu], today he made a great performance. I think Jeremy [Doku] it was the first, maybe the second, he helped us a lot with many things.
“We started with those mistakes, I always believe that when you have the ball, then you can do things, but I was expecting they could press higher, they drop, and the passes were too loose, not to hurt them.
“It’s okay, that’s what we have to improve, we take it,” he adds.
More from Haaland
Wednesday 10 December 2025 22:33 , Chris Wilson“We know about their injuries, we have some too but they have many. You don’t want anyone to be injured but we expected him [Mbappe] to play. I expected to come up against Kylian today. But when a player like that is out - you’re not happy because you want to play the best - but it gives you a bit of a psychological boost.
“You want to play the best players and after one minute [Raul] Asencio was trying to push me and beef with me which I like personally - I don’t mind it. With Antonio Rudiger as well we have had some great battles, but today he wanted it too much and we got the penalty.
On whether City can chase down Arsenal in Premier League, he explains: “I don’t like to speak to much on this because we should focus on ourselves and City have been so good at that for 10 years, don’t think about others and focus on ourselves.
“Now we need to focus on Sunday - who is it? Palace on Sunday - games are coming fast. Look at the schedule it’s incredible and it’s about staying fit and taking it game by game and hopefully winning on Sunday”
'These are games you want to play'
Wednesday 10 December 2025 22:28 , Chris WilsonManchester City striker Erling Haaland also spoke to TNT Sports:
"Difficult to come here, it's a tough place. Game was a bit chaotic, we couldn't really control it. We get the win in the end, [we’re] super happy.
"This is a place you want to play, these are games you want to play. With this new format in Champions League you get to play more games which is nice. I like it.
"It could have looked completely different today if we didn't win because of the Leverkusen defeat, this win is really important. Two more games left. We need to finish strong and hopefully we can be in the first eight because then we're through,” he added.
UCL table
Wednesday 10 December 2025 22:15 , Chris WilsonThat result takes City to fourth in the UCL league phase table, with 13 points. They should be qualifying in the top eight easily, with Bodo/Glimt to come next in Europe.
Madrid are now in seventh with 12 points, and they could also still make the top eight.
O'Reilly 'over the moon' with result
Wednesday 10 December 2025 22:10 , Chris WilsonGoalscorer Nico O’Reilly has been speaking to TNT after the match. He says it’s "such a good feeling” to win here.
“To come here, what an atmosphere, what a stadium, so tough to come here but we got the three points and that's the most important thing.
"Very special - over the moon. This goal will be with me forever but we got the three points and that's the most important thing."
On his game time of late, he says: "I'm loving it, taking it all in my stride, every game as it comes. Working hard every session and I'm loving it.
"We know how good Real are, we've played them over the last few seasons and they're so good. It shows how well we're playing at the minute and our form. We'll have a good chance [to reach the final].
"First few minutes I was a bit slow, I could've stopped that first goal, but I made up for it I think,” he added as he finished.
FULL-TIME! Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 22:05 , Chris WilsonAnother big result for City, who move into fourth in the league phase table with that win!
Madrid were below par and had a few injuries but any win at the Bernabeu is a big one, and City have all but sealed a place in the knockout rounds now.
FULL-TIME! Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 22:02 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:55 , Chris WilsonThe referee blows the final whistle and City have another big win at the Bernabeu!
Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:55 , Chris Wilson90 +3 mins
City get away with one there as a poor clearing header falls to Vini Jr but he can’t make anything of it in the box, before he fires a poor ball in straight at Donnarumma...
Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:54 , Chris Wilson90 +2 mins
Half a chance for Savinho as he manages to get the shot away despite being isolated, but it’s blocked in the end.
Madrid sweep forward but Vini Jr cuts inside only to see his shot blocked by teammate Diaz.
Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:52 , Chris Wilson90 mins
Into the first of four minutes of added time here.
Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:51 , Chris Wilson89 mins
O’Reilly sees a shot blocked and deflected out for a corner, and City will use this chance to run the clock down.
They can't do so for long though, with Bellingham winning it back before Silva is booked for scything down a Madrid player.
Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:50 , Chris Wilson88 mins
And now a booking for Fernandez as he drags down Savinho, who had skipped past him far too easily. A free-kick in a decent area for the visitors.
Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:48 , Chris Wilson87 mins
Another change for City as Nathan Ake replaces Doku.
Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:48 , Chris Wilson86 mins
Rodrygo is next in the book after making a silly challenge on Nunes and then kicking the ball away.
Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:47 , Chris Wilson84 mins
OFF THE BAR!
Fernandez gets to the byline and digs out a cross to Endrick, with the young Brazilian seeing his near-post header crash off the bar!
Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:44 , Chris Wilson82 mins
Rudiger is very lucky to avoid a second yellow as he clips Savinho right on the right-wing edge of the Madrid box. Pep Guardiola gets a yellow for his protestations.
Silva clips in the set-piece but there’s far too much on it, with the ball sailing out past the goal.
Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:42 , Chris Wilson81 mins
Bellingham’s first-time cross is turned behind by Gvardiol, and that’s riled up the home fans. Madrid are just beginning to turn the screw in attack, though again no clear openings.
They do fashion an chance from a corner though, as Donnarumma misses the punch and Vini Jr fails to turn into what is essentially an empty net.
The Brazilian tried the acrobatic effort and it didn’t pay off at all.
Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:40 , Chris Wilson79 mins
Endrick comes on to replace Asencio for the hosts, with the Brazilian making a rare appearance for the hosts.
Arda Guler delivers a free-kick from deep but it’s cleared easily.
Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:39 , Chris Wilson77 mins
A chance for Madrid as Rodrygo clips in a great cross that Vini Jr makes contact with, but the Brazilian can only glance his header wide of the far post. That was a big chance.
Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:38 , Chris Wilson76 mins
An unfortunate yellow card for O’Reilly as he nudges Valverde on the edge of the area and the Uruguayan goes down.
A free-kick from the wing for the visitors – Guler delivers but it’s headed away easily.
Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:36 , Chris Wilson74 mins
Madrid have enjoyed more of the ball since the subs but they still haven’t created anything with it, with Rodrygo the latest to misplace a pass in the final third before O’Reilly makes a couple of decent blocks from Bellingham.
Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:32 , Chris Wilson71 mins
Savinho, Omar Marmoush and Tijjani Reijnders come on for Cherki, Haaland and Foden for the visitors.
Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:30 , Chris Wilson69 mins
It’s not been a great second half so far in truth, and there’s been a real lull in activity over the last few minutes. Madrid only really look dangerous on the counter now, and City have clearly picked up on that, putting a lot of men behind the ball when the hosts have it.
Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:28 , Chris Wilson65 mins
Phil Foden’s free-kick in a dangerous position is a poor one, and City are lucky to avoid a Madrid counter.
Madrid then make another change, with Brahim Diaz replacing Ceballos.
Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:24 , Richard Jolly at the BernabeuHere’s the latest from The Independent’s Richard Jolly at the Bernabeu:
“Suspect the stand-in right-back Fede Valverde is not enjoying an evening against Jeremy Doku.”
Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:23 , Chris Wilson62 mins
SAVE! A decent stop from Courtois, who gets away to his left well to tip the ball past the post after a good effort from Doku.
Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:21 , Chris Wilson60 mins
Brilliant feet in the box as Cherki skips past a challenge but he collides with Silva and loses it!
Madrid counter but Vini Jr puts too much on the through ball and O’Reily beats Rodrygo to it.
Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:19 , Chris Wilson58 mins
Madrid make the first sub of the day as Arda Guler comes on for Gonzalo Garcia.
Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:17 , Chris Wilson55 mins
A clumsy challenge on the wing from Valverde means Doku skips into the box, but the Belgian cant make anything of it. The Real Madrid captain is lucky to avoid a booking for the tackle.
City work the ball to the other wing but nothing comes of it for now.
Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:13 , Chris Wilson52 mins
CLOSE! A chance for City too, with Cherki wriggling free before seeing a deflected shot nestle in Courtois’ gloves.
Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:12 , Chris Wilson50 mins
CLOSE! What a chance this is.
Fernandez wins the ball on the edge of the box and drives past a couple of challenges before sweeping it to Vini Jr. He looks back towards Rodrygo, who plays a great pass into the path of Bellingham.
The England midfielder is 1-v-1 with Donnarumma and tries to chip the Italian but gets far too much on it!
'Alonso had a word with the referee'
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:11 , Richard Jolly at the BernabeuHere’s the latest from The Independent’s Richard Jolly at the Bernabeu:
“Xabi Alonso had a word with the referee in the tunnel at half-time, presumably about the City penalty. It ended with the Real manager shaking his head.”
Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:10 , Chris Wilson48 mins
Madrid have started somewhat on the front foot but neither side has created anything in the second half so far.
Madrid again happy to sit off in midfield when the visitors have the ball.
KICK-OFF! Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:06 , Chris WilsonBack underway at the Bernabeu!
HALF-TIME! Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:02 , Chris WilsonWell, a great turnaround from City after they had started slowly, but the hosts still look dangerous whenever they go forward.
City could really establish themselves this season with a win here, while Alonso would be under real pressure with a loss, so this could be a huge half for both sides.
We’ll the back in action shortly at the Bernabeu.
HALF-TIME! Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 20:58 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 20:50 , Chris WilsonA few fouls to break up play but no chances in the three minutes of added time, and we head into the break with City 2-1 up!
It’s no more than they deserve after a superb turnaround at the end of that first half, and we’re set for a fascinating 45 minutes in the second half.
'Stunning turnaround'
Wednesday 10 December 2025 20:48 , Chris WilsonHere’s the latest from The Independent’s Richard Jolly at the Bernabeu:
“Stunning turnaround by City, from 1-0 down to 2-1 up. This may not bode well for Alonso.”
Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 20:47 , Chris Wilson45 mins
CLOSE! City will think they should have a bigger lead.
It’s starts with a great run from O’Reilly down the left, about 50 yards, before he cuts back a pass to Haaland. He looks certain to score but Courtois gets across to beat it away before saving the rebound from Cherki!
GOAL! Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 20:46 , Chris Wilson43 mins
GOAL! Haaland steps up and sends Courtois the wrong way to complete the turnaround!
PENALTY! Real Madrid 1-1 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 20:43 , Chris Wilson41 mins
It’s given! City have a penalty and it’s an obvious decision to make. Haaland got goal-side of Rudiger and he took him down clumsily.
Real Madrid 1-1 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 20:42 , Chris Wilson39 mins
The goal has changed the game and City are beginning to take control, and they have a penalty check here as Haaland falls under the challenge from Rudiger in the box...
GOAL! Real Madrid 1-1 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 20:40 , Chris Wilson35 mins
GOAL! City have an equaliser out of nowhere!
It’s so simple too, with Gvardiol heading down a corner that Nico O’Reilly manages to poke home to level it.
Real Madrid 1-0 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 20:34 , Chris Wilson32 mins
Brief worry for Madrid as Rodrygo slipped off the ball, but he’s okay to carry on.
Moments later, they have another half-chance as Bellingham is slipped through down the left, but he chooses the wrong option and sees his cross blocked.
Rodrygo 'the scourge of City'
Wednesday 10 December 2025 20:34 , Richard Jolly at the BernabeuHere’s the latest from The Independent’s Richard Jolly at the Bernabeu:
“Rodrgyo can be the scourge of City. That is his fifth goal against them, including a dramatic brace at the Bernabeu in the 2022 semi-final.”
GOAL! Madrid 1-0 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 20:31 , Chris Wilson28 mins
GOAL! The hosts have the lead and it’s Rodrygo against City once more!
It starts with Fernandez winning the ball in the Madrid half before they launch a sweeping counter, with the ball coming forward to Rodrygo on the wing. He takes the perfect touch and even though the angle is tight, he manages to blast a superb low finish across Donnarumma into the far corner!
Real Madrid 0-0 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 20:28 , Chris Wilson26 mins
Neither Doku nor Haaland have really been able to get into the game yet, with the hosts happy to sit back, though the Belgian’s trademark shimmies have already been on show. Foden has found a bit of space in the pockets but he’s found his passing lanes closed so far.
Real Madrid 0-0 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 20:26 , Chris Wilson23 mins
Madrid are starting to get on the ball more now and have enjoyed their first real period of sustained possession over the last few minutes. However, they’re still lacking the final ball, with a Rodrygo cross going over Vini Jr in the box.
'Hosts had the better of things so far'
Wednesday 10 December 2025 20:24 , Richard Jolly at the BernabeuHere’s the latest from The Independent’s Richard Jolly at the Bernabeu:
“Real are without five of their strongest 11 and with a sixth, Fede Valverde, out of position at right-back. Perhaps predictably, they have still had the better of things so far.
“The Bernabeu crowd probably think City should have had more than one booking. Erling Haaland has not had much service.”
Real Madrid 0-0 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 20:19 , Chris Wilson18 mins
Another free-kick in a dangerous position for the hosts as Gonzalez slides in on Rodrygo.
It’ll be the Brazilian to deliver – it’s glanced on by Tchouameni but it flies wide of the far post.
Real Madrid 0-0 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 20:17 , Chris Wilson15 mins
Neither side has been able to create a lot since that Vini Jr chance, with the hosts finding the Brazilian too isolated in the area just now.
He does manage to get into the box before seeing a cross turned behind though.
Elsewhere, both Gvardiol and O’Reilly have been lucky to avoid yellow cards in the last few minutes.
Real Madrid 0-0 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 20:15 , Chris Wilson13 mins
City aren't in a huge rush to bomb forward when they do have the ball, but they’ve started to dominate possession at the Bernabeu.
Madrid are happy to sit off the visitors for now, likely wary of the threat posed by Haaland in-behind.
Real Madrid 0-0 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 20:12 , Chris Wilson10 mins
First yellow of the day as Foden drags down Rodrygo when the Brazilian tried to launch a counter.
Plenty of to-ing and fro-ing early on in this one, and plenty of space to exploit too.
'An unfair contest'
Wednesday 10 December 2025 20:10 , Richard Jolly at the BernabeuHere’s the latest from The Independent’s Richard Jolly at the Bernabeu:
“Vinicius Junior against Matheus Nunes has the makings of a rather unfair contest.”
Real Madrid 0-0 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 20:09 , Chris Wilson7 mins
CLOSE! Madrid will feel they should have the opener.
There’s plenty of space in this game already and the hosts almost exploit it on the counter, with Bellingham playing it forward to Rodrygo down the right.
The Brazilian fires a superb ball into the corridor between Donnarumma and his defenders towards Vini Jr at the back post, but the winger can’t lift the finish over the ‘keeper.
Real Madrid 0-0 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 20:06 , Chris Wilson4 mins
Madrid think they have been awarded a penalty but it looks outside the box...it is! A silly challenge on Vini Jr right on the edge of the area, but it was clearly outside.
Valverde hits the free-kick lo but it deflects away for a corner, running past the far post.
Real Madrid 0-0 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 20:03 , Chris Wilson2 mins
An early foray forward from City as Rudiger is forced to concede a throw deep into his own half.
The visitors work it to the other side of the pitch but end up losing it in midfield, and Madrid launch a counter...
KICK-OFF! Real Madrid 0-0 Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 20:01 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway at the Bernabeu! We could have a great game in store tonight.
Real Madrid vs Man City live
Wednesday 10 December 2025 19:56 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are in the tunnel at the Bernabeu now, so it’s not long until kick-off. Just the anthems and usual pageantry to come!
One of these sides can put one foot in the top eight this evening, so while it’s not a knockout game, it’s still a great barometer of where both sides are at the moment.
Pundits on Haaland v Mbappe
Wednesday 10 December 2025 19:51 , Chris WilsonLaura Woods asks the TNT pundits who they’d rather have between Mbappe and Haaland.
“Both world class in their own right. Probably just Mbappe in my opinion, gutted he’s not playing tonight. The speed, movement, 1-v-1, that’s going to take away a lot from Madrid,” says Gerrard.
“I’d probably have Haaland, there are more outlets, his hold-up play is stronger,” says Joleon Lescott.
“Kylian is a little bit finer, he’s got better technique,” adds Gerrard.
“Kylian isn’t a traditional number nine goalscorer like Haaland, so very different players,” explains McManaman.
Guardiola: 'It’s just a football game'
Wednesday 10 December 2025 19:47 , Chris WilsonPep Guardiola has spoken to TNT ahead of kick-off, so here’s what he had to say:
On their matches with Madrid: “Good ones, they’re tight, hopefully we can do it well again.
“We played well against Sunderland, some patterns I liked, but we need a different shape as Madrid play differently.
On Rayan Cherki: “Step-by-step, so young, first time playing on the biggest stages, but he has a huge personality and something unique in the final third.
“It’s just a football game,” he laughs as he brushes off a question on how his young squad will deal with the atmosphere.
“Whatever happens, Madrid is one of the greatest teams ever, so it doesn’t matter who’s playing,” he adds as he finishes.
Match stats
Wednesday 10 December 2025 19:41 , Chris WilsonKylian Mbappé has scored nine goals in five games in the UEFA Champions League this season.
Erling Haaland has scored more goals in the Champions League than any other player since his debut campaign in 2019/20, with the Norwegian having netted 54 in that time.
'Comparisons between Mbappe and Haaland on hold'
Wednesday 10 December 2025 19:32 , Richard Jolly at the BernabeuHere’s the latest from The Independent’s Richard Jolly at the Bernabeu:
“The comparisons between Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland will have to be put on hold for a while.
“Mbappe, who has had an ankle problem, is only on the bench for Real. They have a weakened team, short of defenders, in a game that has the potential to be Xabi Alonso's last.
“For City, the consequences are rather lesser, though defeat would make it hard for them to get a top-eight finish.”
Famous meetings: Man City 4-0 Real Madrid, Semi-finals 2022/23
Wednesday 10 December 2025 19:25 , Chris WilsonA year or so after that famous loss at the Bernabeu, these two sides met at the same stage of the competition with a place on the final on the line.
However, this time it was City who looked like Europe’s all-conquering side, with the visitors unlucky to leave the Bernabeu with just a 1-1 draw after the first leg.
That result was to matter little though in the end, with the hosts tearing apart the Spanish side at the Etihad in what was one of the most famous nights in City history.
Goals from Manuel Akanji and Julian Alvarez, as well as a brilliant brace from Bernardo Silva, gave City a 4-0 win on the way to securing their first European Cup in Istanbul the next month.
Pep Guardiola: Real Madrid would have sacked me last season
Wednesday 10 December 2025 19:20 , Chris WilsonPep Guardiola has backed Xabi Alonso to turn his situation around at Real Madrid despite admitting his record at Manchester City last season would have got him the sack in the Spanish capital.
Real boss Alonso, who only took charge in the summer, is already under huge pressure at the Bernabeu Stadium.
There have even been suggestions the former Liverpool midfielder could be fired if Real lose to Guardiola’s Manchester City in their Champions League clash in the Spanish capital on Wednesday.
Match stats
Wednesday 10 December 2025 19:12 , Chris WilsonSince November 2024, Manchester City have lost six of their 12 games played in the UEFA Champions League (W4 D2). Prior to this run of 12, their previous six defeats in the competition came over the course of 69 matches
This will be the first managerial meeting between Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid) and Pep Guardiola (Manchester City). Alonso made 79 appearances in his playing career under Guardiola (W58 D12 L9), all for Bayern Munich between August 2014 and May 2016.
Pep Guardiola’s defining rival underlines the truth about Man City and Real Madrid
Wednesday 10 December 2025 19:05 , Chris WilsonPep Guardiola might not bring up his half-century. Recent Champions League history suggests he will, given that Manchester City and Real Madrid contrive to face each other every year, at some stage or another. For Guardiola, the former Barcelona ball boy turned manager, in a career that incorporated the captaincy as well, it is a 49th meeting with the arch-enemies.
He played against them 21 times, has managed against them on 27 occasions. Guardiola against Real has felt one of the defining battles of the 21st century. His Barcelona probably rank as the finest side of the millennium; and yet, since he became a coach, he has won three Champions Leagues and Real have won six. That could seem a crushing defeat for his footballing idealism, or merely explain why Guardiola always calls Real “the kings of Europe”.
Pep Guardiola’s defining rival underlines the truth about Man City and Real Madrid
Team news
Wednesday 10 December 2025 18:59 , Chris WilsonPep Guardiola has not made any changes to the side that beat Sunderland 3-0 at the weekend, with the settled back four of Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol and O’Reilly continuing in defence.
Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva will support Nico Gonzalez in midfield, with Rayan Cherki keeping his place on the wing alongside Jeremy Doku.
Team news
Wednesday 10 December 2025 18:53 , Chris WilsonThe big news is that Kylian Mbappe is only fit enough for the bench this evening, so Madrid start with a front three of Vini Jr., Rodrygo and Gonzalo García.
That is one of four changes made by Madrid boss Xabi Alonso, with two in defence as Eder Militao and Fran Garcia are replaced by Antonio Rudiger and Dani Ceballos, with the latter moving into midfield and Fede Valverde coming in at right-back. The final change sees Arda Guler make way for Rodrygo in the attacking positions.
Man City line-up
Wednesday 10 December 2025 18:47 , Chris WilsonMan City XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly, Nico, Bernardo (C), Foden, Cherki, Doku, Haaland.
Subs: Trafford, Bettinelli, Reijnders, Ake, Marmoush, Ait-Nouri, Savinho, Khusanov, Bobb, Lewis
Your City team to face Real Madrid 😤🩵
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 10, 2025
XI | Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly, Nico, Bernardo (C), Foden, Cherki, Doku, Haaland
SUBS | Trafford, Bettinelli, Reijnders, Ake, Marmoush, Ait-Nouri, Savinho, Khusanov, Bobb, Lewis pic.twitter.com/VoT9x7YVwo
Real Madrid line-up
Wednesday 10 December 2025 18:42 , Chris WilsonReal Madrid XI: Courtois; Valverde, Asensio, Rudiger, Carreras; Ceballos, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Vini Jr, Gonzalo, Rodrygo.
Subs: Lunin, Fran Gonzalez, Mbappe, Martinez, Valdepenas, Guler, Farn Garcia, Ceballos, Cestero, Endrick, Gonzalo, Brahim, Mastantuono.
📋✅ ¡Nuestro XI inicial!
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) December 10, 2025
🆚 @ManCityES pic.twitter.com/Oix7LLgwNF
Team news
Wednesday 10 December 2025 18:35 , Chris WilsonThe line-ups should be announced in the next few minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early team news...
Kylian Mbappe is an injury doubt after missing training, adding to the fitness crisis facing Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso, who will also be without Eder Militao, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, Dean Huijsen, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy and Eduardo Camavinga.
For City, John Stones will face a late fitness test after missing the win over Sunderland, though this match will come too soon for injured midfielder Rodri, who continues to work to get back from a thigh issue. Fellow midfielder Mateo Kovacic is also out, though he will be sidelined into the New Year.
Famous meetings: Real Madrid 3-1 Man City, Semi-finals 2021/22
Wednesday 10 December 2025 18:25 , Chris WilsonProbably the most famous meeting between these two came at the semi-final stage of this competition in 2021/22, with the two teams meeting for the second leg at the Bernabeu after City had beaten the visitors 4-3 at the Etihad in the first leg.
A 73rd-minute goal from Riyadh Mahrez looked to have settled the tie but Rodrygo scored twice in two minutes – the 90th and 91st – to level the tie in dramatic fashion late on, before Karim Benzema;’s 95th-minute penalty in extra-time settled the tie as Madrid reached yet another European Cup final.
Match stats
Wednesday 10 December 2025 18:15 , Chris WilsonCity have lost their last two games against Real Madrid, suffering defeats home and away against them in last season’s play-off round. This is as many losses as they had experienced in their previous 11 games against the Spanish side combined (W4 D5 L2).
Pep Guardiola has faced Real Madrid on 27 previous occasions, winning 48 percent of those matches (W13 D7 L7). However, Guardiola is winless in the most recent four against the Spanish side (D2 L2), and has never gone five in succession without beating them.
Rayan Cherki keen to be a ‘free soul’ and entertain Manchester City fans
Wednesday 10 December 2025 18:00 , Chris WilsonRayan Cherki described himself as a “free soul” with a duty to make fans happy after producing a moment of magic in Manchester City’s comfortable victory over Sunderland.
The French playmaker capped a superb performance by creating City’s third goal in a 3-0 win at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday with an improvised and eye-catching rabona cross.
It was the 22-year-old’s best display since joining the club from Lyon in the summer and he hopes there is plenty more to come.
Rayan Cherki keen to be a ‘free soul’ and entertain Manchester City fans
Mbappe part of Madrid squad this evening
Wednesday 10 December 2025 17:45 , Chris WilsonWhile there are doubts about Mbappe’s fitness, he has been included in the Real Madrid squad for this evening’s game. We’ll soon see if he is fit enough to start at the Bernabeu.
📋✅ Our squad for the match!
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) December 10, 2025
🆚 @ManCity pic.twitter.com/8urz4uNt0y
Kylian Mbappe emerges as an injury doubt for Real Madrid’s clash with Man City
Wednesday 10 December 2025 17:35 , Chris WilsonKylian Mbappe’s availability for Real Madrid’s crucial Champions League clash against Manchester City on Wednesday has been cast into doubt after the forward trained separately from his teammates on Tuesday.
While the rest of the squad engaged in a pitch session under coach Xabi Alonso, Mbappe reportedly trained indoors.
Spanish media suggest the prolific attacker, who has netted 25 goals for Madrid this season and leads the scoring charts in both La Liga and the Champions League, is nursing a left leg ailment.
Kylian Mbappe emerges as an injury doubt for Real Madrid’s clash with Man City
How can I watch it?
Wednesday 10 December 2025 17:20 , Flo CliffordViewers in the UK can watch the game on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 7.30pm. Subscribers can also stream the action online via discovery+. If you’re not a subscriber, you can purchase a TNT Sports subscription via discovery+ here, for only £30.99 per month.
When is Real Madrid vs Man City?
Wednesday 10 December 2025 17:15 , Chris WilsonThe match is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 10 December at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid. Kick-off is set for 8pm GMT.
Predicted line-ups
Wednesday 10 December 2025 17:11 , Chris WilsonReal Madrid XI: Courtois; Valverde, Asensio, Rudiger, Carreras; Ceballos, Tchouameni, Guler; Vini Jr, Bellingham, Rodrygo
Man City XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Foden, Gonzalez; Silva; Cherki, Haaland, Doku.
Man City team news
Wednesday 10 December 2025 17:06 , Chris WilsonFor City, John Stones will face a late fitness test after missing the win over Sunderland, though this match will come too soon for injured midfielder Rodri, who continues to work to get back from a thigh issue. Fellow midfielder Mateo Kovacic is also out, though he will be sidelined into the New Year.
Real Madrid team news
Wednesday 10 December 2025 17:03 , Chris WilsonKylian Mbappe is an injury doubt after missing training, adding to the fitness crisis facing Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso, who will also be without Eder Militao, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, Dean Huijsen, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy and Eduardo Camavinga.
Good evening
Wednesday 10 December 2025 17:00 , Chris WilsonHello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s Champions League match between Real Madrid and Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to put one foot in the next round with a win over their European rivals, in a match that marks the fifth fixture between these two sides in four years, with Madrid having knocked City out of the competition in the knockout round play-offs last term.
Both sides will be aiming to avoid that extra round of fixtures by finishing in the top eight this time round, and they are well-placed to do so with Madrid in fifth with 12 points and City in ninth with 10.
While the Cityzens have found form of late to rise to second in the Premier League, Madrid have fallen four points behind Barcelona after a damaging 2-0 loss to Celta Vigo last time out, with pressure potentially building on Xabi Alonso if he were to lose tonight.
