Player Ratings: Real Madrid Vs Man City

Sophie Wakehurst

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Post on Feb 20, 2025

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Player Ratings: Real Madrid vs Man City - A Champions League Clash

The Champions League semi-final second leg between Real Madrid and Manchester City delivered a thrilling encounter, full of drama and breathtaking moments. While City ultimately emerged victorious with a 4-0 win, securing a 5-1 aggregate victory, the performance of individual players played a crucial role in shaping the outcome. Let's delve into detailed player ratings for both teams, analyzing their contributions to this captivating match.

Manchester City Player Ratings: A Dominant Display

Manchester City showcased a masterclass in controlled attacking football, dismantling Real Madrid's defense with precision and tactical prowess. Several players stood out, exhibiting exceptional skill and game management.

Outstanding Performers:

• Kevin De Bruyne (9.5/10): The Belgian maestro orchestrated City's attack with unparalleled brilliance. His vision, passing accuracy, and creative playmaking were instrumental in unlocking Real Madrid's defense. His goal was a testament to his clinical finishing.
• Erling Haaland (9/10): Haaland's two goals cemented his status as one of the world's most lethal strikers. His movement, power, and predatory instincts were too much for Real Madrid's defense to handle. His contribution extended beyond goals, with his hold-up play creating space for his teammates.
• Jack Grealish (8.5/10): Grealish provided relentless energy and creativity down the left flank. His dribbling skills constantly troubled Real Madrid's defenders, contributing significantly to City's attacking fluidity. His assist for Haaland’s second goal was a moment of pure class.
• John Stones (8/10): Stones was a rock at the back, providing defensive solidity and composure in the face of Real Madrid's attacking threats. His passing accuracy from the back was crucial in initiating City's attacks.

Solid Contributions:

• Rodri (7.5/10): Rodri controlled the midfield battle with his usual composure and efficiency. His interceptions and distribution were key to City's dominance.
• Ruben Dias (7.5/10): Dias formed a strong partnership with Stones, neutralizing Real Madrid's offensive capabilities.
• Bernardo Silva (7/10): Silva's work rate and intelligent movement made him a constant threat, supporting the attack effectively.

Real Madrid Player Ratings: A Night to Forget

Real Madrid's hopes of a comeback were dashed by City's superior performance. While some players fought valiantly, the overall team performance fell short of expectations.

Struggling Performances:

• Thibaut Courtois (6/10): Despite making some saves, Courtois couldn't prevent City from scoring multiple times, reflecting the overall defensive vulnerability.
• Eder Militao (5.5/10): Militao struggled to contain City's potent attack, particularly Haaland's movement.
• David Alaba (5.5/10): Similar to Militao, Alaba found it difficult to cope with City’s attacking prowess.
• Toni Kroos (6/10): Kroos's usual midfield dominance was absent, struggling to impose himself on the game against City's midfield control.
• Luka Modric (6/10): Modric, despite his efforts, couldn't impact the game as he usually does, hindered by City's superior control.

Relative Positives:

• Vinicius Junior (7/10): Vinicius was a constant threat with his pace and dribbling, but lacked the support needed to make a significant impact.

Conclusion: A Dominant Victory

Manchester City’s victory was a comprehensive one, a reflection of their superior team performance and tactical execution. While Real Madrid showed moments of their usual brilliance, they were ultimately outplayed by a City side at the peak of their powers. The player ratings highlight the individual contributions that shaped this decisive Champions League clash, showcasing the strengths and weaknesses of both teams on the night. The match serves as a reminder of the immense talent and competitiveness at the highest level of European football.