UCL: Haaland’s late penalty sinks Real Madrid

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Real Madrid slipped to a 2-1 home defeat against Manchester City in their UEFA Champions League (UCL) clash at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday, conceding twice after taking the lead in a frantic first half.

The 15-time champions, who were without the injured Kylian Mbappé, started brightly and saw an early penalty overturned before Rodrygo put them ahead in the 28th minute, the Brazilian blasting home after linking up with Jude Bellingham.

City, however, responded with growing authority. Nico O’Riley pounced in the 35th minute after Thibaut Courtois failed to hold a Josko Gvardiol header, bundling in the equaliser to shift momentum.

Erling Haaland completed the comeback eight minutes later from the penalty spot after drawing a foul from Antonio Rüdiger. The Norwegian sent Courtois the wrong way, sealing the winner before halftime and tilting pressure back onto Madrid boss Xabi Alonso.

The defeat drops Real Madrid to seventh in the UCL standings with 12 points, while City climb to fourth, one point above their hosts as Guardiola’s side continues its steady resurgence.

Elsewhere, Arsenal maintained their perfect start to the campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory at Club Brugge. Noni Madueke struck twice, and Gabriel Martinelli added another to keep Mikel Arteta’s side cruising through the group. Benfica stunned Napoli 2-0 in Lisbon, while champions Paris Saint-Germain were held to a goalless draw by Athletic Bilbao.

Haaland double fires Manchester City past Everton to reclaim Premier League top spot