Fans whistled the team at times during the second half as it struggled to battle back into contention.

"It's normal, Madrid is a very demanding club, with demanding fans, we've been here for years — we know this can happen if we aren't good," Rodrygo told Spanish broadcaster Movistar.

"It's fair, and we have to accept it and try to improve to get out of this situation."

'Difficult moment'

This was the 15th meeting between these sides, in what has become a modern Champions League classic, and it started at lightning speed, with Vinicius Junior heavily involved in the opening exchanges.

Madrid's Brazilian forward was felled by Matheus Nunes with the referee pointing to the spot, but a VAR review showed the contact was outside the area.

It was deserved when the host took the lead in the 28th minute, with Rodrygo finishing a move started by Alvaro Carreras at the other end of the pitch.

Madrid broke forward and Jude Bellingham fed the Brazilian, who finished early and low, firing across City's Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and into the far corner.

It was his first goal in 33 games, ending a barren and frustrating spell for Rodrygo, and also his fifth against City.

In 2022 his stunning late brace helped Madrid defeat Guardiola's side in the semifinals.

Rodrygo embraced Alonso on the side of the pitch after scoring, later saying he wanted to send a message.

"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," explained Rodrygo.

Madrid's opening half-hour was close to perfect, but City pulled level out of the blue after a mistake from Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

The stopper could not hold on to Josko Gvardiol's header and O'Reilly gratefully tapped home the loose ball in the 35th minute.