Xabi Alonso lost the groundbreaking duel in the Champions League with Real Madrid against his mentor Pep Guardiola and Manchester City and has to fear for his job.
In the “final” called for by the Spanish press, Alonso’s Real lost to the Skyblues 1:2 (1:2) and missed a big step towards a direct ticket to the round of 16.
Rodrygo (28th) gave the initially superior home team the lead at the Bernabéu, but City young star Nico O’Reilly after a corner (36th) and star striker Erling Haaland from the penalty spot (43rd) turned things around. The Norwegian had previously been fouled by national player Antonio Rüdiger.
With only two wins from the last eight competitive games, the air is getting thinner and thinner for Alonso. In La Liga, his team had recently lost the lead in the table, and Spanish media had described a win against City as a last resort. In the premier class, the record winner has a place in the top 8 with twelve points but still has more in his own hands.
Arsenal builds impeccable record
League leaders FC Arsenal expanded their impeccable record and won 3-0 (1-0) at FC Brugge led by U21 international Nicoló Tresoldi despite personnel problems. With 18 points, the Gunners are three points ahead of their first pursuer FC Bayern.
Noni Madueke (25th/47th) scored twice for the Londoners, who had to make do without stars like Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Califiori and Declan Rice. Gabriel Martinelli (56th) increased. Ivan Leko celebrated his coaching debut at Bruges two days after being hired, and the Belgians remain on four points.
Defending champion Paris Saint-Germain couldn’t get more than a 0-0 draw at Athletic Bilbao, while Juventus Turin defeated underdog Pafos FC 2-0 (0-0). SSC Naples lost 0-2 (0-1) at Benfica Lisbon led by star coach José Mourinho.