Real Madrid clashed heads with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium earlier tonight as they focused on securing a win on the road. Los Blancos made a poor start to the game as they conceded the opening goal in the second minute when Kevin De Bruyne scored with a good header. Gabriel Jesus doubled his side’s lead in the 11th minute with a good turn and finish. However, Karim Benzema got a goal back for the visitors with an excellent finish after the half-hour mark as Real Madrid went into the half-time break 2-1 down on the scoreline.
Phil Foden got his name on the scoresheet with a solid header in the 53rd minute. However, Vinicius Junior scored just two minutes later with a composed strike. Bernardo Silva went on to score a brilliant goal in the 74th minute but Karim Benzema found the back of the net again from the penalty spot. Los Blancos ended up crashing to a narrow 4-3 defeat away from home.
Let’s take a look at how each Real Madrid player fared during the match against Man City.
GK: Thibaut Courtois – 5.5/10
The Belgian keeper made a couple of saves but won’t be pleased after conceding four goals during the 90 minutes.
RB: Dani Carvajal – 7/10
He was strong in the air and made a positive impact at both ends of the pitch.
CB: Eder Militao – 6.5/10
Militao earned the ball back a few times inside his half and was a threat on the other side as well.
CB: David Alaba – 5/10
The Austrian defender had a tough game in the first half and got substituted at half-time.
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LB: Ferland Mendy – 7/10
Mendy looked shaky at the back but produced a good display in the opposition half. He has got a couple of assists to show for his efforts.
CM: Federico Valverde – 6/10
He secured the ball back a couple of times but offered very little in the final third.
CM: Toni Kroos – 6.5/10
The German talent got stuck in with a couple of tackles and had some bright moments in the Man City half.
CM: Luka Modric – 6.5/10
He made some crucial interceptions in midfield but failed to create anything meaningful up top.
RW: Rodrygo – 6/10
Rodrygo hardly got a sniff at goal and could last only 69 minutes.
ST: Karim Benzema – 8.5/10
The French striker was a constant menace in the final third and has got two goals to show for his efforts.
LW: Vinicius Junior – 7.5/10
He caused a lot of headaches for the Man City defenders. Vinicius Jr. deserves credit for scoring a good goal early in the second half.
Substitutes:
CB: Nacho – 6/10
He had a tough game defensively in the second half.
CM: Eduardo Camavinga – 6/10
Camavinga added some steel to Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield.
CM: Dani Ceballos – 6.5/10
He protected his backline well.
RW: Marco Asensio – N/A
Asensio didn’t get enough minutes to warrant a rating.
