Memorable Champions League win repairs Madrid’s early season disorder on field, not morale off

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Real Madrid\'s coach Jose Mourinho from Portugal reacts after Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winning goal during a Group D Champions League soccer match against Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid Tuesday Sept. 18, 2012. Real Madrid beat Manchester City 3-2. (AP Photo/Paul White)

MADRID – While Real Madrid’s Champions League victory over Manchester City may have helped repair early season disorder on the field, the 3-2 win does not look to have mended morale inside the squad.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s 90th-minute winner capped a memorable fightback by the Spanish champions, who trailed 2-1 with five minutes to play.

Ronaldo, who returned to the Santiago Bernabeu for the first time since saying he felt “sad” at the club, celebrated his goal this time around. But he did not suggest his mood had turned, saying “how I am doesn’t matter.”

Coach Jose Mourinho surprised by leaving Sergio Ramos on the bench despite the Spain defender rarely missing a game since 2005.

Spanish media suggested Ramos was singled out for recent defeats with Mourinho defending his purely “technical” decision.

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