# Man City Outlast Real Madrid 2-1
Real Madrid hasn’t been playing well lately. Wednesday night they hosted Manchester City in the Champions League. City had the opportunity to move up the table with a win.
They seized it. Manchester City escaped the Bernabéu with a 2-1 victory, converting their clinical finishing into three crucial points despite being outshot and out-possessed by their hosts.
## Key Performers
The efficiency gap told the story. City buried 8 of 12 shots on target—a staggering 67% conversion rate—while Real Madrid mustered just 1 shot on frame from 16 attempts, a paltry 6.3% accuracy. That’s the difference between European elite and mid-season crisis.
Manchester City’s defensive discipline shone through in the tackle column: 15 effective tackles from 19 attempts (79% success rate) compared to Real’s 8-for-18 (44%). Ederson didn’t need to make a single save, as City’s backline blocked 4 shots and intercepted 8 passes while Real’s keeper was forced into 6 stops.
The possession numbers (Real 51.6%, City 48.4%) meant nothing. City’s 87% pass completion bested Madrid’s 84%, and when it mattered, Pep Guardiola’s side made their opportunities count.
## The Turning Point
The penalty. After City opened scoring, Real Madrid found their equalizer to level the match at 1-1, restoring belief in the Bernabéu faithful. But City’s awarded spot-kick shifted momentum decisively. The penalty conversion by Erland Haaland—City’s only attempt from the spot—proved to be the match-winner, exposing Real’s vulnerability in critical moments.
## What’s Next
Manchester City continues their Champions League campaign with momentum and three vital points.City move into the Top 8 in the Champions League League phase standings. Real Madrid faces mounting questions about their recent form and must regroup quickly. Both sides will look to their next fixtures to either build on success or halt the slide.
