"Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola smiles (Image credit: Getty Images) Like a midnight nightmare, the Catalan coach always appears in the Bernabeu at the most inconvenient times. Even without being the complete, dominant team of past seasons, Manchester City put Xabi Alonso on the ropes his future hanging by an increasingly thin thread. Pep deepened the crisis of his former protege, whose position is under such scrutiny that he may be experiencing his final weeks as Real Madrid manager."
"City were not flawless, nor particularly joyful in their approach more sober than beautiful. Although Rodrygo put Real Madrid ahead with his first goal in more than nine months, the Manchester side recovered quickly from their rival's electric start an inconsistent Madrid that could not stay afloat once City created their first real chances. Nico O'Reilly struck from a corner and Erling Haaland completed the comeback before half-time. Two chances. Two goals. Maximum efficiency."
"Guardiola has walked into this stadium too many times to lose his composure, even if the passing years don't soften old rivalries. From his frustration over some refereeing decisions in the first half to a masterclass of touchline instructions aimed at helping his players withstand Real Madrid's pressure, matches are also played in the technical area. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week."
Manchester City recovered from an early Rodrygo goal to complete a comeback at the Santiago Bernabeu through strikes from Nico O'Reilly and Erling Haaland before half-time. City produced an efficient, sober display rather than a flamboyant one, creating and converting the few clear chances they fashioned. Pep Guardiola managed the game from the touchline, showing tactical calm and responding to refereeing decisions while guiding players to withstand Real Madrid pressure. Jeremy Doku provided constant attacking unpredictability, troubling Fede Valverde with his bursts, runs and dribbles. The result deepened scrutiny on Xabi Alonso and increased uncertainty over his Real Madrid future.
Read at www.fourfourtwo.com
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