City Stun Madrid: Alonso's Future in Jeopardy After Champions League Defeat
Image Source: Internet
Manchester City staged a dramatic comeback to down Real Madrid 2-1 in the Champions League, casting a shadow over Xabi Alonso's tenure as the Spanish giants' coach. In the absence of injured star Kylian Mbappe, Madrid took an early lead through Rodrygo's 28th-minute strike. However, City fought back, with Nico O'Reilly equalizing in the 35th minute after a mistake from Thibaut Courtois, and Erling Haaland sealing the win with a penalty in the second half. The loss has left Alonso's position precarious, as Madrid have now won just two of their last eight matches across all competitions. The club's struggles in the league phase table have raised questions about the coach's ability to lead the team. Madrid's decision to sideline Mbappe, citing knee discomfort, was a surprising move, given the striker's impact in their previous match against City. Gonzalo Garcia started in his place, but it was not enough to prevent the defeat. The match was marked by a series of missed opportunities for both teams, including a crucial free-kick by Fede Valverde that was deflected wide. City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was also forced to make several impressive saves to keep his team in the game. The win has given City a significant boost in the Champions League, while Madrid's defeat has raised concerns about their ability to secure a top-eight spot in the league phase table. With Alonso's future hanging in the balance, the coming days will be crucial for the Spanish giants.
