PARIS, FRANCE – Erling Haaland continued his remarkable scoring spree with a 34th goal for club and country this season, helping Manchester City secure a 2-1 win against Real Madrid on Wednesday. The Norwegian striker’s latest performance highlighted his consistency in the Champions League, where he has now netted 51 goals in just 50 starts, while young Nico O’Reilly scored his first goal in Europe’s elite competition.
The victory came during a difficult week for Real Madrid, who suffered a second consecutive home defeat following their 2-0 loss to Celta Vigo at the weekend. Coach Xabi Alonso’s side have now won just two of their last eight matches in all competitions, leaving mounting pressure on the Spanish manager.
For Haaland, the win marked his 21st goal in 21 Manchester City matches this season, showcasing the striker’s clinical finishing and extraordinary consistency. Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Haaland reflected on the intensity of the match. “The game was a bit chaotic, we couldn’t really control it. We get the win in the end, super happy,” he said. “Two more games left. We need to finish strong and hopefully we can be in the first eight because then we’re through.”
Haaland Scores 34th Goal of the Season in Landmark Performance
Real Madrid initially took the lead when Rodrygo struck just before the 30-minute mark, curling a precise shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma into the far corner. However, the lead lasted only seven minutes as academy graduate Nico O’Reilly reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the six-yard box, scoring his first-ever Champions League goal after Thibaut Courtois had saved Josko Gvardiol’s header.
Haaland then put Manchester City ahead from the penalty spot at the 43rd minute after VAR intervened to penalize Antonio Rudiger for fouling the Norwegian striker in the box. Courtois managed to redeem himself partially with a crucial double save in the first half, denying Haaland and Rayan Cherki in quick succession.
The second half remained end-to-end, with opportunities for both sides. Jude Bellingham came close for City, but his chip went over the bar, while Courtois produced a fingertip save to deny Jeremy Doku. Real Madrid had a late chance to equalize, with Vinicius Jr. volleying over the bar and substitute Endrick hitting the crossbar as they pushed for a draw.
Rodrygo, reflecting on the tough outing, expressed solidarity with his coach: “It’s a difficult moment for us and for (Alonso) as well. Things aren’t going well… we wanted to show people we’re together with the coach.”
While Haaland stole the spotlight at the Bernabeu, Arsenal continued their impressive form in the Champions League with a 3-0 win over Club Brugge, keeping their perfect group stage record intact. Noni Madueke scored twice for the Gunners, his first a spectacular long-range strike after dribbling past two defenders, and the second a simple finish set up by Martin Zubimendi. Gabriel Martinelli added a third with a precise curling shot from outside the box.
The victory marked Arsenal’s sixth consecutive Champions League win this season, putting them on the brink of qualification for the last 16 with two games remaining. “We’re fighting on all fronts. I feel like we can win this competition and win the league, that has to be the aim,” Madueke told TNT Sports.
Elsewhere in Europe, reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain were held to a goalless draw at Athletic Bilbao, keeping them third in their group behind Arsenal and Bayern Munich. Juventus defeated Pafos 2-0 with goals from Weston McKennie and Jonathan David. Bayer Leverkusen and Newcastle shared a 2-2 draw, as did Borussia Dortmund and Bodo/Glimt.
Benfica edged Napoli 2-0, thanks to goals from Richard Rios and Leandro Barreiro, in a clash between former Chelsea managers Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte. Ajax recorded a 4-2 win over Qarabag, with Oscar Gloukh scoring twice in the late surge that moved them off the bottom of the table, while Villarreal fell to 3-2 defeat at home to FC Copenhagen.
Haaland’s goal-scoring exploits continue to define Manchester City’s Champions League campaign, solidifying his reputation as one of the most lethal forwards in world football. With 34 goals across all competitions this season and a record-breaking 51 Champions League goals in 50 starts, the Norwegian striker remains central to City’s ambitions both domestically and in Europe.
As Manchester City look to maintain momentum and progress to the knockout stages, all eyes will remain on Haaland to deliver the decisive goals that could carry the club toward continental glory.
Source- EWN
