Rio Ferdinand believes the introduction of Fernandinho "destabilised" Manchester City in their 4-3 Champions League victory against Real Madrid on Tuesday evening.
The 36-year-old, a midfielder by trade, was brought on in the 36th minute at the Etihad when John Stones - playing at right-back - suffered an injury. Regular right-backs Kyle Walker (injury) and Joao Cancelo (suspension) were not part of City's 23-man squad.
Fernandinho was at fault for Real's second goal. His compatriot Vinicius Junior went past him with ease before finding the back of the net. But the City ace did set up his team's second goal, producing a delightful cross for Phil Foden to head home.
Despite this, Ferdinand believes the Brazilian was City's weak link. "It was a fantastic game, the game ebbed and flowed in different ways," Ferdinand told BT Sport. "Momentum changed many times during the game, moments of absolute class from individuals.
"City will be a bit frustrated, you can see that. I think Pep will have a lot to say in that changing room. Real Madrid will be buoyed I think by the way they showed the character and courage to come back, but I still fancy City to go over there and finish the job off.
"I think a big, big change in the way the game went was Stones coming off. I think Stones’ injury destabilised the City team. Unfortunately, Fernandinho at 36 years old having to play right-back against one of the most in-form wingers in the game at the moment, that was a vulnerability then in that Man City team."
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It's unclear when Stones will return to action after picking up a muscular complaint, although both Walker and Cancelo are expected to be available for the second leg at the Bernabeu and this Saturday's Premier League fixture against Leeds at Elland Road.
City have up to seven games remaining this term. They're currently one point ahead of Liverpool in the Premier League title race after missing out on silverware in both the EFL Cup and FA Cup. Pep Guardiola's side haven't failed to win a trophy since 2016-17.
Fernandinho will leave City at the end of the season after nine successful years at the Etihad. During that time, he's won four Premier League titles, six EFL Cups, the FA Cup and Community Shield. He'll be hoping to add another league title and the Champions League to his impressive collection before he says goodbye to Manchester.
"I want to play - I want to play regularly," said Fernandinho - who's made just 14 Premier League appearances this term - at a press conference earlier this month. "I will go back to Brazil. I decided with my family, which is the most important for me."
The 53-cap international added on Twitter : "I was 100 per cent honest and spontaneous in answering that question at today's press conference. But anyone who knows me also knows that my greatest honestly is with Man City and my duties as team captain.
"My focus is 100 per cent on winning all the titles we are playing for and I will only talk about my future at the end of the season. Let's keep pushing."
