Xabi Alonso’s side are slowly rediscovering their form after a nightmare run saw Real fall behind rivals Barcelona at the top of La Liga. Los Blancos secured a comeback victory over Alavés last weekend before defeating Talavera in the Copa del Rey round of 32 three days later.

It was Madrid who took the lead in a frantic first half, Rodrygo ending a 32-game personal scoring drought by firing low past Gianluigi Donnarumma. City responded through Nico O’Reilly, who scored from close range following a corner, then won a penalty when Erling Haaland was bundled to the floor by Antonio Rudiger.

Erling Haaland will have it his way vs. Real Madrid on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Free Real Madrid vs. Man City predictions.

Bernardo Silva seemed to have given City a comfortable cushion when he lashed the ball beyond Thibaut Courtois from range. However, the Ballon d’Or winner-to-be, Benzema, brought the house down with an impudently chipped penalty to silence the supporters as he embarrassed Ederson.