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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
James Robson

Manchester City player ratings vs Real Madrid: Kyle Walker absolutely immense; Ruben Dias capitulates late on

Manchester City suffered Champions League heartbreak as Real Madrid won 6-5 on aggregate to reach the final.

Pep Guardiola’s side were seemingly in control of the semi-final tie heading into stoppage-time, with Riyad Mahrez having them ahead on the night.

But Rodrygo struck an incredible late brace to send it to extra-time, and Karim Benzeman’s penalty then made it 3-1 on the night and put Real ahead in the tie for the first time to get the job done.

James Robson was at the Bernabeu to rate the City players on a painful night...

Ederson 6

As stunned as the rest of his City teammates as Real turned the tie on its head in no time. Had been unflappable to that point.

Kyle Walker 9

Absolutely immense. Is it a surprise that all of Real’s goals came after he left the pitch? What a performance – matching Vinicius stride for stride, with a fair amount of gamesmanship as well.

Ruben Dias 6

For 90 minutes he did a much better job of shepherding Benzema than in the first leg. Capitulated late on and his rash challenge saw him bring down Benzema for an extra time penalty.

Aymeric Laporte 6

In the right place at the right time on a number of occasions and then melted in the heat of Real’s fightback.

Joao Cancelo 7

Assured on both sides of defence. How City missed him in the first leg, but Rodrygo’s first goal came down his side.

Bernardo Silva 8

He was everywhere. Tidying up around his own box one moment and then driving forward with the ball the next. Set up Mahrez’ goal.

Rodri 8

Got in the way of Real attacks on so many occasions and eased the pressure on City with his calm use of the ball in tight situations.

Kevin De Bruyne 6

Not at his most effective – as proven by Guardiola’s decision to take him off in the second half. Still had his moments when he threatened to open Real up.

Riyad Mahrez 8

Much of his best work was when he was snapping into tackles to break down Madrid’s attempts to get out of their own half – but he then came up with a wonder strike that looked to have put the tie beyond the home side.

(Action Images via Reuters)

Gabriel Jesus 6

Stretched Real with his constant running and unselfish work to pull defenders out of shape.

Phil Foden 6

Snap shot from distance nearly caught out Courtois. Did not make the ball stick up top enough.

Subs:

Oleksandr Zinchenko (Walker, 72) 5

Filled in comfortably at left back to allow Cancelo to switch sides. Pushed forward to try to get City back in the game.

Ilkay Gundogan (De Bruyne, 72) 6

Took immediate charge of midfield from the moment he stepped off the bench. Looked like an inspired substitution until late on.

Jack Grealish (Jesus, 78) 6

An absolutely brilliant cameo saw one effort cleared off the line and another go inches wide. Twisted Real in knots.

Fernandinho (Mahrez, 85) 5

Was supposed to come on and see out the tie for City. It did not work out like that.

Raheem Sterling (Cancelo, 99) 5

Tried to run at Real and injected energy – but the quality was not there.

Unused subs: Steffen, Carson, Ake, Egan-Riley, Palmer, McAtee, Lavia

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