UEFA Champions League Review: Man City vs Real Madrid Player Ratings today

The first leg of the Champions League semi-final between Manchester City and Real Madrid turned out to be a frantic boxing contest that saw both teams have their moments. 

In the end, City edged Real 4-3, but still plenty of work to be done in the return leg in a week at the Santiago Bernabeu. Here is a look at how the players approached during the course of 90 minutes of the first leg.

Man City Player Ratings 

Ederson 

The City goalkeeper could have hardly done anything in any of the three goals he conceded. All the three goals came through either individual brilliance or defensive mistakes where Ederson was less of a fault. He will still be upset after picking the ball three times from his net.

Man City vs Real Madrid Player Ratings: 6/10

Fernandinho

The City captain initially started on the bench, but an injury to John Stones meant he was called into action early. 

An assist to Phil Foden looked like a good return but then he was nut-mugged by Vinicius Jr at the halfway line for Real’s second goal of the night. A mixed performance of sorts for Fernandinho considering his usual standards.

Man City vs Real Madrid Player Ratings: 7.5/10

Olexander Zinchenko

The Ukrainian had a rare start and almost made a good impression with his attacking play, but was the guilty party in Real’s first goal. The defender could have done better but missed out on the Benzema goal to ruin his day.

Man City vs Real Madrid Player Ratings: 6/10

Aymeric Laporte

The Spaniard was on the receiving end of a penalty as Real Madrid scored to come back late in the match. Laporte had a good day at the office, but again sloppy mistakes and handball cost him and his team.

Man City vs Real Madrid Player Ratings: 5.5/10

Ruben Dias

The City stand-in captain was excellent in his job and could have hardly done anything provided the standards that Real produced at times. Dias will have to be at his fluent best again next week if the English side is to make back-to-back finals in the Champions League.

Man City vs Real Madrid Player Ratings: 6.5/10

Bernardo Silva

The scorer of City’s fourth goal, Bernardo Silva could have added the icing on the cake had his team not conceded three goals. The midfielder has been in superb form and could be a huge difference-maker whether City make it to the finals or not.

Man City vs Real Madrid Player Ratings: 8/10

Rodri

The former Atletico Madrid star, Rodri was quiet with his business and dictated the passage of play at times. The Spaniard could have done well during the Vinicius Jr goal but was still a good addition to the team.

Man City vs Real Madrid Player Ratings: 6.5/10

Kevin De Bruyne

It took only two minutes for the City star to underline his importance as he scored to open the scoring. The Belgian was dictating the play with the ball, turning in and out of the defenders and could have seen more goals had he got a Benzema-like striker in his ranks.

Man City vs Real Madrid Player Ratings: 8.5/10

Riyad Mahrez

The Algerian should have had a hat-trick in the game had he converted the chances. Mahrez also decided to take a kick rather than shoot in the first half when City were leading 2-0. It could have been a different story in the context of the game had he taken his chances.

Man City vs Real Madrid Player Ratings: 7/10

Phil Foden

The young English player was rewarded for his creativity and play when he scored City’s third, having earlier missed a clear chance to score. Foden could be of huge importance for Pep Guardiola’s side next week if they are to make the final in Paris.

Man City vs Real Madrid Player Ratings: 8.5/10

Gabriel Jesus

The Brazilian is getting frequent starts and was the right man at the right place to force the error from David Alaba in the 11th minute. Jesus could have done more but lacked edge in the final third but will have high morale for the performance he produced today.

Man City vs Real Madrid Player Ratings: 8/10

Real Madrid Player Ratings

Thibaut Courtois

Clearly not his best day, Courtois was left exposed and could have done better to keep the scoreline down. The Belgian will have to be at his stellar best if he is to guide his team to the final of the Champions League in May.

Man City vs Real Madrid Player Ratings: 4.5/10

Ferland Mendy

A great cross to Benzema for a goal in the first half, but lack of concentration in his day job of defending, Mendy had a mixed day. The Frenchmen could have done more with the City goals, but clearly needs to improve for the return leg.

Man City vs Real Madrid Player Ratings: 6/10

Dani Carvajal

Again part of a defense that looked all over the place as Dani Carvajal also had an off day like some other players. Although Carvajal did make amends when he cleared a goal-bound effort of Phil Foden in the second half, what could have made the tie tricky.

Man City vs Real Madrid Player Ratings: 4/10

David Alaba

The Austrian was at times lost and could have seen his side concede six or seven, but City failed to take their chances. Alaba was clearly at fault for City’s second goal as he gifted Gabriel Jesus the goal, but luckily his team is still in the contest.

Man City vs Real Madrid Player Ratings: 5/10

Eder Militao

Suspended for the second leg against Chelsea, Militao made some comeback into the side as he was treated with goals galore by the opposition. Militao was clearly exposed and was looking shabby at times, however, like other real defenders; his team is still in the contest.

Man City vs Real Madrid Player Ratings: 4.5/10

Federico Valverde

The Uruguayan was filling in the big shoes of Casemiro in the match and was part of the shaky defense that leaked goals. Valverde was at times good in the attack but poor in defense, which ultimately saw City midfielders exploiting him as a weak link in defense.

Man City vs Real Madrid Player Ratings: 5.5/10

Toni Kroos

The German is well past his peak now and was wavered in the midfield. Unable to stop the passing game of City midfielders, Kroos has a good vision which certainly went missing in the match. He will still be an important part of the team next week at the Bernabeu.

Man City vs Real Madrid Player Ratings: 6/10

Luka Modric

Not often do we say Luka has an off day, but again could have done better with defensive duties. The 36-year-old did use the pressing game and got Real in a good position but had City taken their chances, he was clearly an exposed weak link in the midfield.

Man City vs Real Madrid Player Ratings: 7/10

Rodrygo

The Brazilian didn’t do much wrong in the match and could have had his moment had the City defense not responded. In the end, he was a good option to have ahead of Gareth Bale and Isco as he ran the right channel in the City area.

Man City vs Real Madrid Player Ratings: 7.5/10

Vinicius Jr.

The Brazilian could have received a Ballon d’Or, had there been one for the best nut mug on Fernandinho. Vinicius was class at times and scored an incredible second goal for Real Madrid as he was one of the best players on the pitch.

Man City vs Real Madrid Player Ratings: 9/10

Karim Benzema

Arguably the best striker in the world of football, Karim Benzema scored a brace in the match including a ‘Panenka penalty’ in the eddying moments of the match. 

The Frenchmen will have huge responsibilities on his shoulders if Real are to overturn the one-goal deficit in Madrid next week.

Man City vs Real Madrid Player Ratings: 9/10