The Citizens overthrew the Merengue (1-2) thanks to a Cherki in total delight mode and a new goal from Haaland this Wednesday, at the Bernabeu. Xabi Alonso is more than ever in the hot seat.
TOPS
Cherki enjoys
Small bridge, sombrero, leg crossing… The French international made Madrid defenders dizzy this Wednesday, during the Skyblues’ 2-1 victory at the Bernabeu, in the Champions League. For his first start in C1 with the Citizens, Rayan Cherki did not blush at the Bernabeu. The former Olympique Lyonnais player was even (almost) decisive, by taking the corner, on Manchester City’s equalizer signed O’Reilly after a handball by Thibaut Courtois (35th). Replaced in the 70th to solidify the defense. Cherki has certainly won points in Pep Guardiola’s eyes.
Skip the ad
End of famine for Rodrygo
End of series for the Brazilian. Holder in the absence of Kylian Mbappé, the Madrid winger, weaned from goals since March 4, 2025, has (finally) found the net by scoring the opener for Madrid (28th). This achievement allows him to get back on track, 31 matches after his last goal with the Merengue, but could not prevent Xabi Alonso’s men (see elsewhere) from losing.
Haaland’s fantastic stat
Even when he doesn’t touch the ball Haaland is decisive. The Norwegian striker, very discreet in the first half, won a penalty because of a stupid mistake by Rüdiger (see elsewhere). Penalty that he took charge of converting himself, full of composure, by taking Courtois on the wrong foot (43rd). That’s now 55 goals in… 54 C1 matches for the cyborg.
FLOPS
One defeat too many for Xabi Alonso?
Did we see Xabi Alonso’s last match on the Real bench? The question will make headlines in the Spanish press. Weakened before the meeting, the Merengue tactician had to win to give himself some oxygen, without his providential man Kylian Mbappé, although in the group but ultimately not used, Real once again sank, dragging with great luck its captain. His gamble of starting Gonzalo Garcia was a failure and the entry of Endrick (79th), who made the posts vibrate (85th), did not come far from saving the furniture. Only two victories for Real Madrid in the last eight matches. Very little. Too little.
Rüdiger at bay
An evening to forget for the German international defender. Dribbled from the first minutes of play by Rayan Cherki, Antonio Rüdiger lost his aerial duel on the Skyblues’ opener before committing a stupid foul on Haaland, far from the ball, and offering a penalty (also punished with a yellow). The former Chelsea player came very close to disaster by being late for a new counterattack, during which he conceded a free kick on the edge of the area and escaped the second warning. A worrying performance while the Madrilenians’ infirmary is full: Militao, Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alaba, Huijsen, Mendy… Looking forward to the truce and Christmas for the Merengue.
Worth a look
