Manchester City entertained Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium earlier tonight as they hoped to secure a positive result in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal tie. The Mancunian outfit made a quick start to the game and got their noses ahead in the second minute courtesy of Kevin De Bruyne’s good header. Gabriel Jesus doubled Man City’s advantage just nine minutes later with a great turn and finish. However, the Madrid giants got a goal back via Karim Benzema’s excellent finish in the 33rd minute. The home team went into the half-time break with a 2-1 lead.
Phil Foden put his team 3-1 ahead on the scoreline with a perfect header in the 53rd minute. However, just two minutes later, Vinicius Junior got his name on the scoresheet with a composed finish. Bernardo Silva scored a stunning goal in the 74th minute to put Man City 4-2 ahead on the night. However, the visitors got another goal back via Karim Benzema’s penalty just eight minutes later. The match ended with Pep Guardiola’s men securing an entertaining 4-3 win in front of their supporters.
Let’s take a look at how each Man City player performed during the match against Los Blancos.
GK: Ederson – 6/10
The Brazilian goalie made two important saves but still ended up conceding three goals during the game.
RB: John Stones – 6/10
He struggled to get into the flow of the game and was substituted in the 35th minute.
CB: Ruben Dias – 6/10
Dias made some crucial defensive contributions at the back and made one good chance in the final third.
CB: Aymeric Laporte – 6/10
The Spaniard tried his best to keep Benzema in check but to no great effect.
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LB: Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7/10
He earned the ball back a few times and was a real threat in the Real Madrid half.
CM: Bernardo Silva – 8/10
The Portugal international netted a memorable goal in the second half. He also did his fair share of defending.
CM: Rodri – 7/10
Rodri did his best to anchor the midfield and had a couple of lively moments in the final third.
CM: Kevin De Bruyne – 8/10
He ran the show for Man City in the opponent’s half and has got a goal and an assist to show for his efforts.
RW: Riyad Mahrez – 6.5/10
Mahrez was a bit selfish at times in the attacking end of the field but ended the game with an assist to his name.
ST: Gabriel Jesus – 7.5/10
The Brazilian talent got his name on the scoresheet in the first half with a good finish.
LW: Phil Foden – 7/10
Foden caused a few problems for the Madrid defenders and was responsible for scoring Man City’s third goal.
Substitutes:
CM: Fernandinho – 6/10
He added some bite and steel to Man City’s midfield.
LW: Raheem Sterling – N/A
Sterling hardly had any time to influence the game.
