Real Madrid entertained Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium earlier tonight as they hoped to overturn a 3-4 deficit from the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal tie. Los Blancos were solid in the first half and went into the halftime break with a goalless scoreline.
Riyad Mahrez finally broke the deadlock for the visitors in the 73rd minute with a classy finish. However, in dramatic fashion, Rodrygo scored two late goals to keep Real Madrid in the tie. The contest finished 2-1 in favour of Los Blancos at the full-time whistle which took the game to extra time.
The home team were awarded a penalty which Karim Benzema scored to put his team 3-1 ahead on the night. Carlo Ancelotti’s men hung on to their narrow advantage and secured a 3-1 win after extra-time as the tie ended 6-5 in favour of Los Blancos that ensured their place in the final against Liverpool.
Let’s take a look at how each Real Madrid player performed during the match against Man City.
GK: Thibaut Courtois – 8/10
The Belgian keeper made plenty of important saves to keep his team in the contest. He did enough to restrict the opposition to just one goal.
RB: Dani Carvajal – 7/10
The Spaniard was solid at the back and made some decent chances in the final third.
CB: Eder Militao – 6.5/10
Militao kept things tidy when defending inside his half and worked his socks off for 114 minutes.
CB: Nacho – 7/10
The Spanish centre-back earned the ball back a few times during the game and didn’t take too many risks when clearing his lines at the back.
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LB: Ferland Mendy – 7/10
The Frenchman was solid on the defensive end of the field and was good on the ball as well.
CM: Casemiro – 7/10
The Brazilian talent did his best to anchor the midfield but could last only 74 minutes.
CM: Toni Kroos – 6/10
He struggled to get a foothold in the game and got replaced after the hour mark.
RW: Federico Valverde – 7/10
Valverde worked his socks off to provide enough protection for his teammates at the back but offered little in the final third.
CAM: Luka Modric – 6/10
Modric looked slow at times and struggled to create any meaningful chances in the attacking end of the field.
LW: Vinicius Junior – 6.5/10
He was a constant menace in the final third and did everything but score tonight.
ST: Karim Benzema – 8/10
The French striker was always looking to cause problems for the Man City defenders and did well to end the game with a goal and an assist to his name.
Substitutes:
RW: Rodrygo – 8.5/10
He made an instant impact by scoring two quick-fire goals which kept the tie alive for the home side.
CAM: Marco Asensio – 7/10
The Spaniard has got an assist to show for his efforts.
CM: Eduardo Camavinga – 7/10
The talented youngster bossed the game at the centre of the park, especially in extra time.
CM: Dani Ceballos – 6/10
He added some energy to Real Madrid’s midfield.
CB: Jesus Vallejo – N/A
Vallejo got some valuable minutes under his belt.
RB: Lucas Vazquez – N/A
He kept things tidy at the back.
