Overview
- Manchester City beat Real Madrid 2–1 at the Santiago Bernabéu, with goals from Nico O’Reilly and Erling Haaland after Rodrygo’s opener.
- Pep Guardiola said he told Rodrygo he is “from another level” and confirmed a one‑on‑one exchange with the forward on the pitch.
- Guardiola acknowledged City were second‑best for long spells before improving after the equalizer, calling victory in Madrid a “big task.”
- Rodrygo has recently returned from injury and his goal ended a reported 281‑day drought dating back to March 4, 2025.
- Reporting says Guardiola’s admiration has revived transfer speculation, with City having pursued Rodrygo last summer and expected to keep monitoring him into the January 2026 window.