City’s win in Madrid offers relief, but Guardiola says the real test lies ahead

December 12, 2025 Oliver Obel

Manchester City left the Bernabéu with a result that would usually stir celebration, yet the mood around Pep Guardiola suggested something closer to unfinished business.

His team’s 2–1 victory over Real Madrid on Wednesday night strengthened their footing in the Champions League group stage, but for Guardiola it also underlined how far City still are from the level he expects when the tournament reaches its decisive months.

Real Madrid entered the night under a cloud of uncertainty. Xabi Alonso has watched his side’s form fray across recent weeks, and the tension in the stadium felt noticeable long before kick-off a mixture of expectancy and impatience from a fan base accustomed to European control.

Madrid strike first, but City settle in

Madrid’s early ambition paid off. As reported by The Guardian, Rodrygo broke the deadlock with a sharp finish that briefly eased the pressure around Alonso. It didn’t last. City, initially unsettled, gradually found their composure and exploited space with the efficiency that has defined their European rise in recent years.

Nico O’Reilly’s equaliser, taken with calm authority, shifted momentum away from the hosts. Erling Haaland then converted a penalty shortly before half-time, silencing much of the stadium and handing City a lead they never relinquished, despite periods of Madrid pressure.

Guardiola sets a higher mark

Although he welcomed the win, Guardiola’s assessment remained uncompromising. “This will be a good lesson for the future because that level is not quite enough,” he said, noting that City had played better on previous visits to Madrid only to return home without reward.

The City manager pointed ahead to the unforgiving run of knockout football, when opponents offer fewer openings and mistakes carry heavier consequences. “Winning at the Bernabéu is a big, big task.

Especially in this competition,” he said. “But at the same time, come February and March … the level required must be better. We will work on it. It’s not enough today.”

He emphasised that City’s seasoned group tends to rise to challenges as the season deepens, adding: “When we go to PSG, Anfield, Arsenal, we have to do better – but knowing the players we will be better.”

Moments later, he repeated his belief that City would peak when needed, provided injuries do not derail them: “That will happen, 100% for sure – as long as there are no injuries.”

Alonso stays resolute

For Alonso, the match offered both frustration and reassurance. Madrid showed the drive that supporters have demanded, yet their lack of cutting edge and long injury list continue to weigh heavily. Still, the manager spoke with conviction afterward about the group’s commitment.

“Yes, I did feel that,” he said when asked whether his players remained firmly behind him. He pointed to their effort amid an unforgiving stretch of absences. “We haven’t lost our faith… The results are not what we want but we have to keep working and believing that things will be better.”

Read also: Liverpool search for answers

City now return to Manchester with three points and a reminder from their manager that the standards he sets remain higher than the scoreboard alone suggests. Madrid, meanwhile, continue to search for answers in a season that has yet to settle.

Source: The Guardian