Overview
- VAR overturned an early Madrid penalty before Rodrygo scored; Nico O’Reilly equalised and Erling Haaland converted a VAR-awarded spot kick before half-time.
- Kylian Mbappé, Madrid’s top scorer, remained on the bench with discomfort and did not play, with Xabi Alonso saying using him would have been a risk.
- The victory lifts City to fourth in the League Phase standings, reinforcing their pursuit of a top‑eight berth that delivers direct entry to the last 16.
- Arsenal stayed perfect with a 3-0 win at Club Brugge, while Bayer Leverkusen drew 2-2 with Newcastle after Álex Grimaldo’s 88th‑minute equaliser.
- Borussia Dortmund were held 2-2 by Bodø/Glimt, and the League Phase now pauses until January with two matchweeks left to determine automatic qualification.