Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City picked up what was arguably the biggest upset of the Champions League round of 16 so far, after beating Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid side by a 2-1 scoreline at the Santiago Bernabeu. The fixture began with a rather tactical first-half, but the floodgates completely opened in the second. The home side opened the scoring through Isco after a horrific Manchester City giveaway. Despite this though, a late header from Gabriel Jesus and a Kevin De Bruyne penalty were enough for the Citizens to steal a comeback victory in the Spanish capital.
Manchester City Players Rated In Comeback Win Vs Real Madrid
Ederson Moraes – 7
The Brazilian couldn’t have done anything about the Madrid goal after he was left wide open by the careless City defenders. Made a couple of excellent saves over the course of the ninety though.
Kyle Walker – 6
The speedster was guilty of giving the ball away on the lead up to the Madrid opener but did a decent defensive job. Made some strong forward runs and tracked back whenever required.
Nicolas Otamendi – 5
The Argentine veteran should’ve probably shown enough experience to not get into the mix up that gifted Zidane’s side their goal. Looked uncomfortable while defending for the rest of the evening.
Aymeric Laporte – N/A
The highly-rated centre-half put up a decent performance for the duration he was on the pitch but was forced to come off with yet another injury in the first half. Replaced by Fernandinho.
Benjamin Mendy – 6
The full-back delivered a couple of decent crosses into the box and was a constant option down the flank once the Citizens began to apply the pressure. Got back and defended whenever he needed to.
Rodri – 6.5
The Spaniard moved the ball around effectively in the middle of the park and did a good job bringing the Manchester City attackers into the game. Worked hard in defence as well.
Ilkay Gundogan – 7
The German had a couple of loose touches here and there but overall put in an excellent display. Looked composed in possession and showed maturity to keep his cool in a high-pressure situation.
Bernardo Silva – 6
The diminutive Portuguese trickster was unable to impact the tie quite as much as he usually does. Despite this, he worked hard in the middle of the park with some nifty defensive covering.
Riyad Mahrez – 6.5
The former Leicester City winger had multiple sharp runs down his flank and even had a couple of decent chances to find the net. Moved the ball around with confidence and finesse.
Kevin De Bruyne – 7.5
The Belgian magician was a shadow of his usual self in the first half but looked reborn in the second. Was at the heart of everything this City team produced and put away the penalty with great aplomb.
Gabriel Jesus – 8.5
Undoubtedly the star of the show, the young Brazilian striker began the game down one of the flanks but was eventually switched into the central role. The impact was immediate as he levelled things up and then got Sergio Ramos sent off as well.
Substitutes
Fernandinho – 7.5
The Brazilian continues to showcase his versatility by playing in an unfamiliar centre-half position. He was mostly faultless after coming on, and couldn’t have done much about the Isco goal.
Raheem Sterling – 7
The Englishman added an instant injection of pace into the City attack, and the Madrid defenders didn’t seem to know how to deal with him. Won the penalty that would turn the tie around.
