When the draw for this Champions League campaign was made, something immediately stood out. Real Madrid and Manchester City would face each other once again on matchday six this year. A fixture that has become routine in recent years. Only last season they battled in the play off round for a place in the round of sixteen. Over the past years the club from Madrid usually came out on top and City had managed to win only once, back in 2020. Still it was clear beforehand that the visitors would have their chances this time. Real Madrid had been struggling with their form and the clash carried an extra layer with two Spanish coaches meeting again. A duel between a master and a former pupil and also a contest featuring arguably the two best players in the world right now, Haaland and Mbappé. Everything hinted at another grand occasion and it turned into an iconic night, one I will never forget. For me the whole experience had already begun long before kick off, in fact on the morning before the match when the home side held their media session.
For every European fixture UEFA obliges clubs to hold a full press moment. The head coach and at least one player must speak to the media. I was lucky enough to witness this from extremely close by. We saw head coach Xabi Alonso and midfielder Tchouaméni doing three separate one on one interviews. The setting was impressive with the British broadcaster TNT Sports arranging a dark backdrop with bright spotlights pointed directly at the speakers.
It quickly became clear that tension surrounded the match because of Madrid’s recent disappointing results. Alonso faced some questions about his outlook on the game and about going up against Guardiola. They share a remarkable connection since Alonso played under him during the final stage of his career at Bayern Munich. Tchouaméni on the other hand remained relaxed and even joked that he might fall asleep with all those bright lights shining in his face. After the interviews both coach and player still had to address the general press during a formal press conference.
The day did not end there. Later in the afternoon it was Manchester City’s turn. They spoke to the media inside the Bernabéu itself. Visiting clubs can choose to use their own facilities or the stadium of the home side. Real Madrid under Alonso prefer holding their pre European press conferences at their training ground. Pep Guardiola appeared as his usual self, not exactly thrilled to speak again after nearly seventeen years of weekly media duties. At one point he even fired some questions back at a journalist. Classic Pep. I had hoped my fellow countryman Doku would take the seat but eventually it was Bernardo Silva who sat down alongside the club’s spokesperson. Despite the shaky form of their opponents the Portuguese was eager for the match and certainly did not underestimate them. I also did not expect him to speak Spanish that well. With that both teams said everything that needed to be said and I prepared myself for what was coming next, the showdown between two European giants.
Matchday. Nine o’clock. A sold out Bernabéu where Real Madrid had won every match so far this season. All day long I had been waiting to hear that magnificent Champions League anthem roll through the stadium. It is the type of match you always stay home to watch on television and soon I would be only a few meters away from the pitch. Even before the start the home side received a blow. Mbappé was not completely fit and started on the bench which meant Madrid had to do without their top scorer who had scored four times against Olympiacos on the previous matchday. His absence was another sign of the injury wave hitting the club in the Spanish capital. His replacement was Rodrygo, the Brazilian winger who had been pushed to the background in recent weeks and barely received minutes. For him it was the perfect opportunity to show himself not only to his coach, but to the whole world.
From the moment the match started the home team took control. Vini was quickly set up by his compatriot Rodrygo but could not finish. A little later the breakthrough came. Rodrygo was sent through by Jude Bellingham and with no hesitation he drilled the ball low past Donnarumma into the far corner. A stunning goal and a deserved lead for Los Blancos. Up to that point the visitors had shown very little but in the 35th minute they equalised. After a corner Gvardiol towered above everyone and headed centrally at goal. Courtois mishandled the attempt and pushed it straight into the path of O’Reilly who only had to tap it in. It was the first Champions League goal for the twenty year old full back. The home team were rattled and the visitors increased the pressure dramatically. Five minutes later Haaland went down in the box after a push from Rüdiger. The German giant protested furiously but after a VAR review referee Clement Turpin (the ref that looks like Leandro Trossard) pointed to the spot. The Norwegian striker made no mistake and gave City the lead. The advantage could have grown before the break but Courtois denied Haaland after a swift counterattack. The whistle for halftime was a welcome sound for the home side.
Real Madrid came out of the dressing room strongly and dominated throughout the entire second half forcing the visitors to defend deep. Five minutes in Bellingham received the ball inside the box and tried a delicate chip that just went over. Madrid desperately needed Mbappé who watched from the bench. Vinicius came close with a header and a scissor kick. Doku played an excellent match yet struggled to find support in the second half to launch attacks. Manchester City had a few minor chances but Courtois prevailed each time. Near the end substitute Endrick impressed and nearly equalised with a header that bounced off the crossbar. The leveller felt imminent but never arrived.
City eventually secured a 2:1 victory, only the second time in their history that they left the iconic Bernabéu as winners. Huge celebrations for the English side while the mood was very different for Madrid. Alonso seems to be running out of credit although the players publicly backed him. Both teams remain inside the top eight which is crucial to avoid an extra knockout round. Real Madrid will host the AS Monaco from Belgian coach Sébastien Pocognoli next, while City travel to the homeland of Haaland to face Bodø Glimt.
As I walked home after the match I reflected on the incredible experience. Seeing two European powerhouses go head to head is something you always dream of. The fact that two compatriots of mine, Courtois and Doku, were involved made it even more special. From the press moments to the incredible match: it was an unforgettable experience, one I will carry with me forever.
