Wednesday night served up a Champions League classic, as Real Madrid breached Manchester City’s fortress and progressed to the next stage of the competition.
It was not a very Madrid-like performance as they kept a low block for most part of the game, after Rodrygo gave the Merengues the lead early in the first half.
Although the Citizens were relentless, they did not have a response to Madrid’s stubbornness in the defense as the game ultimately headed to penalties.
The penalty shootout ended in Real Madrid’s favor with a 3-4 scoreline and Los Blancos finally putting last year’s demons behind them.
Here is how the Real Madrid players fared in the victory:
Player Ratings:
Andriy Lunin: 8.5
Arguably one of the best performances by Lunin in Europe this season. Made 8 saves – one less than in the game against Leipzig. The Ukrainian was the star of the penalty shootout as well, making two saves and playing an instrumental part in the victory.
Dani Carvajal: 7.0
Other than the yellow card he received, the Spaniard was at his best. He had an exciting duel against Grealish but was a bit troubled when Doku came on. Will be a big miss in the 1st leg of the semi-final against Bayern as he got a yellow card in this game and is suspended for the upcoming match.
Antonio Rüdiger: 8.0
The German center-back knew what his job was – keeping the tall Norwegian quiet – and he was fully up to the task. Solid again, but it was his clearance that led to City’s equalizer. Put the ball wide in extra-time when he had a chance to score but redeemed himself by scoring the winning penalty.
Nacho: 7.0
Perhaps the only ‘weak link’ in defense and Haaland clearly targeted him, but the Spaniard kept him at bay. Great defensive display and made no mistake in scoring a penalty in the shootout.
Ferland Mendy: 7.0
Another solid defensive show as he did not let many attacks happen from his flank. The Frenchman made some timely interceptions and tackles, and successfully kept Bernardo Silva from weaving his magic in the final third.
Eduardo Camavinga: 6.5
Did his job as the defensive midfielder in Tchouaméni’s absence but was dispossessed quite a few times. Overall, an average outing for the Frenchman.
Toni Kroos: 7.0
Typical Kroos performance. Breezed past City’s press and did not make any mistake with his passes. Rightfully substituted later on as the fatigue was visible.
Fede Valverde: 8.0
The engine in the midfield. Played his 45th game this season and showed no signs of tiredness. Covered up as right-back for Carvajal when the Spaniard was out of position. Was awarded the man of the match.
Jude Bellingham: 7.5
A way better performance from the Englishman after a poor 1st leg. It was his first touch which set up the goal for Rodrygo. Dispossessed a few times and was given a different role than he is usually used to. Made some important tackles too.
VinÃcius Júnior: 6.5
It is rare for him to have a poor game in the Champions League knockouts and today was one of those days. Kyle Walker kept him quiet after he had set up Rodrygo for the goal. The Brazilian was barely involved as the game progressed and was eventually substituted in extra time.
Rodrygo: 7.5
He just loves scoring against Manchester City, doesn’t he? Scored his 4th goal against the English side, the most he has scored against any opponent. Out of the 3 shots Madrid had on target, he had 2 of those.
Substitutes
Luka Modrić: 6.5
A good cameo from the Croatian but it was limited to the defense as Madrid were unable to create chances upfront. He would be gutted to have missed his penalty and on another night this miss could have been costly as it was the first one for Madrid.
Brahim DÃaz: 6.0
Tried his best to penetrate City with quick legs and made some good dribbles. Lost the ball occasionally.
Lucas Vazquez: 6.0
Came on for VinÃcius and had an average outing. Doku proved to be a menace for him and was unable to keep him quiet. But scored his penalty with ease.
Éder Militão: 6.5
Had a decent 10-minute cameo. He did not warm up before coming on but was upto the task whenever he sensed danger.
