The atmosphere at the Bernabeu crackled with tension as Manchester City secured a vital 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in a Champions League clash that left a legendary captain sharply critical.
City’s win not only boosted their own chances of progressing to the knockout stages, but also intensified the pressure on Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, with whispers of potential consequences should results continue to falter.
Rodrygo initially ignited the home crowd with a powerful strike, but City responded swiftly and decisively, turning the tide before halftime.
A chaotic scramble from a corner saw Nico O’Reilly capitalize on Real Madrid’s defensive lapse, leveling the score. Moments later, a clumsy challenge from Antonio Rudiger gifted Erling Haaland a penalty, which he expertly converted.
Despite a determined push for an equalizer in the second half, Real Madrid found themselves repeatedly thwarted by a resolute City defense, ultimately succumbing to defeat.
Watching from the studio, Steven Gerrard didn’t hold back, dissecting Real Madrid’s vulnerabilities with a keen eye. He pinpointed Alvaro Carreras’s defensive lapse for City’s first goal as unforgivable, highlighting the space afforded to the attacking player.
Gerrard was particularly scathing about Rudiger’s penalty concession, labeling it a “stupid” foul born of naiveté. He argued that Alonso faces a significant problem, as City dominated without even reaching peak performance.
“Real Madrid proved in the last ten minutes of the first half that they can’t defend,” Gerrard stated bluntly, emphasizing the glaring defensive flaws exposed by City’s attack.
He confessed to being disappointed with Real Madrid’s overall performance, expecting a far more spirited display from a team seemingly desperate to avoid a managerial change.
While acknowledging City’s deserved victory, Gerrard reiterated that Real Madrid’s own errors – particularly Rudiger’s costly mistake – ultimately sealed their fate. The loss exposed a fragility that will undoubtedly concern Alonso and the Madrid faithful.
Fellow analyst Joleon Lescott echoed Gerrard’s assessment of Rudiger, suggesting the defender’s penchant for physical contact led to the “naive” tackle that gifted City the penalty.
