Match Report and Player Ratings: Manchester City 1-1 Real Madrid (Agg: 4-4, Penalties: 3-4) | OneFootball

Manchester City failed to advance to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League after losing in a a penalty shoot-out with Real Madrid.

An early goal from Rodrygo and late heroics from Kevin De Bruyne pushed the match into extra time, as once again Manchester City and Real Madrid produced a classic culminating in a penalty shoot-out.

After a cagey start, Real Madrid scored first in the 12th minute when Rodrygo scored off his own rebound. Ederson made an excellent reflex save on the first attempt, but it bounced right back to the Brazilian for a calm finish.

After conceding the first goal, City had a strong response. Erling Haaland had a few headed chances that could not be converted, while the biggest came in the 18th minute when the Norwegian’s effort hit the bar and into the path of Bernardo Silva. The Portuguese midfielder was off-balanced and couldn’t take capitalise.

The Sky Blues started the second half with an even better performance. The defending European champions took full control of the match and kept Real Madrid deep into their own zone for most of the final 45 minutes.

Jeremy Doku was brought on to replace Jack Grealish in the 71st minute. A somewhat harsh decision, but it proved to be the correct one just five minutes later when he set-up Kevin De Bruyne’s equaliser. De Bruyne found himself in point blank range after the Real Madrid defence could not clear Jeremy Doku’s cross, and blasted the ball past Lunin to make it 1-1.

Manchester City’s best opportunity to win the match in regulation came in the 82nd minute, but Kevin De Bruyne skied his shot over the bar.

Extra time played out in similar fashion to the second half, but featured even more tired legs. City had a few half chances to take the lead and Real Madrid nearly grabbed the victory when Antonio Rudiger had a point blank effort sky over the bar.

The match headed to penalties with Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne on the bench, after being replaced by Julian Alvarez and Mateo Kovacic during extra time.

Alvarez scored the first penalty, sending Lunin the wrong way. Modric was next up, and his poor effort was saved by Ederson. However, Lunin responded by saving Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic’s attempts. Phil Foden and Ederson scored with well-taken penalties but the damage was done. Rudiger converted from the spot to secure the victory.

Manchester City will travel to Wembley Stadium this weekend to face Chelsea in the semi-finals of the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday evening. Here is how we rated the entire squad!

Player Ratings

Ederson – 6.5

Made an excellent first save and was unlucky for the rebound. Wasn’t called upon at all in the second half.

Kyle Walker – 7

Was a rough start keeping Real Madrid onside and then not being able to clear the cross. Other than that he was mostly fine, and made up for by stopping Vinicius on multiple occasions.

Manuel Akanji – 7

The first half highlighted what City fans already knew: Akanji is not John Stones. However, he did grow into the match and was better in the second half.

Ruben Dias – 7.5

Was rarely needed defensively, but looked like the Dias of old when called upon. Good on the ball as well.

Josko Gvardiol – 7.5

Felt as though he was often times dragged out of position on counterattacks, but was excellent in possession.

Rodri – 8

It was clear he needed the rest he desperately asked for. Looked sharper than he has in recent games.

Kevin De Bruyne – 8.5

Excellent all night, created chances and was a constant threat to score as well. Great composure for the equalizer.

Bernardo Silva – 7

Final ball was poor on several occasions in the first half, lofting it high and above Haaland time and time again. But like always looked more comfortable on the right wing. Rare average performance in a big match.

Phil Foden – 7

It’s a shame it took 60 minutes or so for Foden to be moved centrally. Was involved in a couple of chances in the first half when played on the wing but was much more dangerous in central areas.

Erling Haaland – 6.5

Wasn’t on the ball too often but got himself into good positions and was unlucky with the service he received.

Jack Grealish – 7.5

Was solid throughout, felt harsh for him to be the first to come off.

Substitutes

Jeremy Doku – 8

The decision to bring him on against tired legs proved to be genius.

Julian Alvarez – 6.5

Couldn’t do much with all 11 Real Madrid players in the box for all of extra time. Solid penalty though.

John Stones – N/A

Mateo Kovacic N/A