Manchester City showed a critical piece of their armoury in their win over Real Madrid | OneFootball

Manchester City came from a goal down last night to beat Real Madrid 2-1 at the Bernabeu. The performance wasn’t a vintage City display by any stretch. They did suffer at times against Xabi Alonso’s side. But they overcame those moments to leave the Bernabeu with a valuable three points to aid their Champions League campaign. Pep Guardiola’s side displayed another side of their armoury that has formed the backbone of Manchester City’s recent era of dominance. City’s resilience and character stood out at the Bernabeu and it helped City pick up a huge win in Madrid.

Manchester City battled and fought their way to a valuable win away from home.

It isn’t a stretch to say that Manchester City were up against it in the opening half-hour of last night’s match. Real Madrid were up for the occasion as were their fans. The atmosphere was hostile and the pressure and atmosphere went up a gear when Rodrygo opened the scoring in the 28th minute for Xabi Alonso’s side. Manchester City know all too well what can happen in the eye of the proverbial storm at the Bernabeu. But City weathered that storm to score two goals before halftime through Nico O’Reilly and Erling Haaland to take a 2-1 lead. Pep Guardiola’s side would hold onto that lead to leave Spain with a crucial win. What stood out was that Manchester City’s character and resilience played a big part in their win.

City rode out the wave so to speak throughout last night’s match. As Real Madrid pressed for an equaliser in the second half City stood tall as a collective to keep Madrid out. Pep Guardiola’s side were fortunate that an Endrick header hit the bar late on and several other Real Madrid chances came to nothing. Last night’s win won’t be remembered as a vintage City win. But to come away from the Bernabeu with a victory where Manchester City’s resilience and character formed the backbone of their victory could prove to be invaluable as this City team grows together.

Pep Guardiola, Erling Haaland and Nico O’Reilly all spoke of how important last night’s win was for City.

Any win over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu doesn’t come easy. Pep Guardiola said as much after last night’s match. Speaking on his team’s win, Guardiola acknowledged that his team still has growing to do as a team. But he acknowledged the importance of winning at the Bernabeu. Speaking on his team’s win over Real Madrid, Guardiola said: “Winning in the Bernabeu is a big big task, really big task, especially in this competition, don’t misunderstand me.”

“But at the same time in February, March we are able to go through the level to arrive in semi-finals, finals, requires a better performance than today. It is not enough to be there.”

“There are many good things, I am so pleased for the players for the effort, soul and heart and how they run but here and Anfield and PSG, Dortmund, Arsenal, Barcelona, knowing the players we will be better. We will improve, that’s for sure.”

Erling Haaland believes that last night’s win was an important win for his team. He explained: “This win is really important. It’s difficult to come here. It’s a tough place to come.”

“We could have added another goal but the game was a bit chaotic.”

“It’s a nice place to play. Look at this place it’s incredible. These are the games we want to play. In this format, we get to play more games which is nice. And I like it. In the end, we’re super happy.”

Lastly, Nico O’Reilly added that Manchester City’s character helped them come from behind to beat Real Madrid. O’Reilly told the media: “Everyone wanted to get on the ball, everyone wanted to play. I’d say there was a lot of character out there tonight. I think that’s what got us over the line. We knew we could get goals back, so that wasn’t the problem.”

“We just had to stay focused, not be scared by the environment and the counter attacks they were causing. And that was it.”

“We’re all on a high right now. We need to keep pushing and keep going.”

Summary.

Manchester City showed their character and resilience to come from a goal down to beat Real Madrid last night. It isn’t a stretch to say that Manchester City’s win at the Bernabeu was their biggest away result of the season. It takes time for a team to build the character and resilience needed to go to a hostile environment and leave with an important victory. Pep Guardiola’s side is building those aspects of their makeup and their character and resilience could carry them a long way if it continues to grow.