Here are the City player ratings as Manchester City left the Bernabeu with a draw after 3-all modern day classic against Real Madrid. The result sets the stage for the European champions to head home to the Etihad next week, knowing a win at home will book their place in the semi-final stage of this season’s UEFA Champions League.
As for the game, it was a breathless affair and one that pitted arguably the two best teams in Europe against each other. From the moment Bernardo Silva fired Manchester City into the lead in the second minute, it was clear that a modern-day classic was about to unfold.
After Pep Guardiola’s side dominated the early stages, Real Madrid hit back hard. They equalised in the 12th minute after an Eduardo Camavinga strike was deflected into his own net by Ruben Dias. The hosts would take the lead two minutes later after a light night quick counter saw Rodrygo played away into space. He calmly finished past Stefan Ortega with the aid of a deflection off Manuel Akanji to give the hosts the lead. The opening stages were played at break neck speed and highlighted everything that makes football at the elite level so great. Real Madrid was a constant threat on the break for the remainder of the first half while Manchester City tried to settle the game down. At the interval, Real Madrid led 2-1 after a spectacular first half.
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The second half began with Manchester City looking for more control. Pep Guardiola’s side dominated the first 25 minutes of the second half with Carlo Ancelotti’s side looking to hit City on the break.
A sustained spell of pressure, Manchester City finally found an equaliser in the 66th minute. A sublime Phil Foden strike from outside the box levelled the game. It was a wonder strike from Foden as he made his mark on the biggest stage.
It would get better for Manchester City 5 minutes later. Josko Gvardiol did his best Kevin De Bruyne impression to score his first goal for the club. After receiving the ball from Jack Grealish, he fired a rocket past Andriy Lunin to give City the lead. It was no less than the world champions deserved after a dominant second-half display.
Real Madrid would respond 7 minutes later with a peach of a goal from Federico Valverde. A teasing ball was played across by Vinicius Junior, and Valverde unleashed a sumptuous volley to level the game at 3-3. It was a goal befitting of the night and leaves the tie delicately poised ahead of next week’s second leg at the Etihad.
Here are the City player ratings from arguably the best game of the season in any competition across world football.
City player ratings
Stefan Ortega-7/10: He could do little about any of Real Madrid’s goals. Ortega was good in possession and did his job when called upon.
Manuel Akanji-6/10: Had a torrid first half as Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo threatened to take over the game. He recovered in the second half with a much better display.
John Stones-7.5/10: Played in his usual role between defence and midfield and did his job.
Ruben Dias-7/10: He was unlucky as his deflection allowed Real Madrid to equalise. Made several key challenges throughout the game in one of his better performances for some time.
Josko Gvardiol-7.5/10: Scored an absolute cracker and was a threat in possession. Since coming back from injury, he has been in sparkling form, and that continued last night.
Rodri-6/10: Gave away possession too often and was below his best. Looks in desperate need of a rest.
Mateo Kovacic-6.5/10: He was much better in the second half than the first. Did help City dominate the second half with his presence in midfield.
Bernardo Silva-7/10: Scored the opener but was also guilty of losing possession at times. He never stopped working for his team in a typical Bernardo Silva display.
Phil Foden-8/10: Scored an absolute worldie to cap a spell of City dominance in the second half. Was much better in the second half than the first in a fantastic display.
Jack Grealish-8/10: Was arguably City’s most dangerous player on the alongside Phil Foden. He was a threat throughout and could’ve been used more given the form he is in.
Erling Haaland-5/10: City’s number 9 was well contained by the Real Madrid defence. His presence alone frightened the hosts, and it was evident with the space that was available for Phil Foden’s second half wonder strike.
Substitutes
Julian Alvarez-N/A: Not on long enough to mark.
