PLAYER RATINGS: Erling Haaland is still goal-shy on the big nights… while Jude Bellingham covered every blade of grass
Manchester City’s dreams of retaining the Champions League were shattered after a dramatic penalty shootout loss to Real Madrid.
Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic both missed from the spot as City were beaten 4-3 on penalties after their thrilling quarter-final draw ended 4-4 on aggregate.
Rodrygo had given Real an early lead in the second leg at the Etihad Stadium, but City continued to dominate and, after creating a host of chances, eventually made it 1-1 on the evening through Kevin De Bruyne in the 76th minute .
De Bruyne spurned a good chance to win the tie in normal time and Erling Haaland had earlier hit the crossbar, but it was the record 14-time winners who ultimately prevailed.
Mail Sport’s Pete Jenson rated the players on Wednesday evening.
Kevin De Bruyne scored the equalizer, but shot over when he could have doubled his total
Manchester City (4-1-4-1)
Ederson-6.5
The Brazilian could do nothing about the opening goal and was largely a spectator after that. Scored his penalty.
Kyle Walker – 7
They were unable to prevent Vinicius’ cross from reaching Rodrygo for the opening goal. But overall he won his duel with the Brazilian again.
Manuel Akanji – 7
Carried the ball forward well. Madrid tested with intrusion passes. Also always available for the easy pass.
Ruben Dias – 6.5
Couldn’t keep out Vinicius’ cross from the right for the opening goal of the match, but helped prevent Madrid from causing problems on the counter.
Josko Gvardiol – 7
Booked for foul on Bellingham. Solid defensive performance with an epic extra time slot to keep Madrid at bay
Rodri-7
The main victim of that brilliant Bellingham check just before Real Madrid made it 1-0 that evening. However, improved in the second half and started to run the game.
Man City striker Erling Haaland suffered further frustration when his header hit the crossbar
De Bruyne– 7.5
What a boost to have him back for the second stage. Forced an excellent save from Lunin in the first half. Scored the equalizer, but shot over when he could have doubled his total before extra time.
Bernardo Silva – 7
Always looking to find out. Problems with his movement and control. Great center for Foden in extra time. Terrible punishment.
Phil Foden – 6.5
One long shot just before a quiet first half came to an end. Missed from Silva’s cross in extra time, but still full from running deep into stoppage time.
Jack Grealish – 6.5
Previously caused problems for Carvajal and drew a yellow card for the Spain international, but Doku had more end product when he came on.
Erling Haaland – 6.5
Header hit the crossbar. A nice break for Grealish to come close too. Still purposeful on the big nights
Subs
Doku (for Grealish, 65) – 7
Julian Alvarez (for Haaland, 90) – 6.5
John Stones (Manuel Akanji) 111 N/A
Mateo Kovacic (De Bruyne) 111 N/A
Rodrygo combined with Vinicius again to fire Real Madrid ahead early in the second leg
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1)
Andri Lunin – 8
Two saves in the shootout after a performance that ensured Thibaut Courtois wasn’t missed too much.
Dani Carvajal – 7.5
Booked for foul on Grealish. Great header in the first half. Showed his class and fighting spirit everywhere.
Antonio Rudiger – 7
City failed to achieve their goal. But Real Madrid’s boss at the back did provide a crucial challenge in Militao’s absence to block Grealish’s shot in the first half. Could have scored in extra time. He then buried the winning penalty.
Nacho – 6
Never did the suspended Aurelien show Tchouameni’s flair in distribution, but was steady and made an important clearance early in the second half. He took his penalty well.
Ferland Mendy – 6.5
Didn’t create a huge threat going forward, but huge defensively. Underrated, except by Ancelotti who loves him.
Toni Kroos – 6.5
One pirouette to clear Haaland in the first half was sublime. Finds another level in the big games, but faded and was replaced.
Eduardo Camavinga – 6.5
Had Madrid’s first shot. Worked hard without shining.
Fede Valverde – 6
Did not make the most of the opportunities he had on the counter for Madrid with poor decisions on the final pass.
Judas Bellingham – 7
The control at that time was excessive. Covered every blade of grass and played a big role in the goal, but lacked the lung-busting runs from deep he had at the start of the season. Buried his punishment.
Rodrygo – 6.5
The Brazilian fox in the box. Loves a goal in the Champions League, especially an assist from Vinicius. Faded and was replaced by Brahim.
Vinicius Junior – 6.5
Chained on the left by Walker. But switched wings to create the opening goal. Not his best night.
Subs
Luka Modric (for Kroos, 78) – 5.5
Brahim Diaz (for Rodrygo, 84) – 6.5
Lucas Vazquez (for Vinicius 101) 5.5
Eder Militao (Dani Carvajal 110) N/A