Man City hit back to win Champions League thriller at Real Madrid

Real Madrid's problems deepened on Wednesday after a 2-1 defeat at home to Manchester City that also leaves coach Xabi Alonso's future very much on the line.

With Kylian Mbappe sidelined due to injury, Rodrygo took advantage of his chance to net his first goal in 33 matches and put Real Madrid ahead, but Nico O'Reilly equalized in the 35th minute after Thibaut Courtois had saved well following a corner.

Dani Ceballos (L) of Real Madrid vies for the ball during the UEFA Champions League football match between Real Madrid and Manchester City in Madrid, Spain, Dec. 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)

Manchester City took the lead just before halftime when Erling Haaland scored from the penalty spot after he was hauled down by Antonio Rudiger. Although Real Madrid pushed hard for an equalizer in the second half, the English side held firm to secure the win.

Athletic Club kept its hopes of finishing in the top 24 alive as the Basque club overcame a long injury list to hold reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain to a 0-0 draw.

PSG had the clearest chances but was denied by four excellent saves from Spain international goalkeeper Unai Simon.

Noni Madueke put Arsenal ahead after 25 minutes away to Club Brugge as Mikel Arteta's side claimed a 3-0 win to remain top of the qualifying group with six consecutive victories.

Madueke doubled his tally early in the second half, with an excellent goal from Gabriel Martinelli sealing the win.

Elsewhere, Borussia Dortmund's top-eight hopes suffered a setback as it was held to a 2-2 draw at home to Bodo/Glimt. Alejandro Grimaldo's 88th-minute goal saved Bayer Leverkusen a 2-2 draw at home to Newcastle United. Juventus won 2-0 at home over Pafos, while Benfica secured a vital 2-0 victory against Napoli. Copenhagen ended Villarreal's interest in the Champions League with a 3-2 win, while Ajax staged an epic comeback to win 4-2 away to Qarabag.