Player Ratings: Real Madrid 1-1 Manchester City (Champions League semi-final first-leg) | OneFootball

It’s all square in the Champions League semi-finals, as Manchester City tonight played out a cagey but enthralling draw with Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

As expected, City dominated the early proceedings, drawing saves from Thibaut Courtois via shots from Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri and Erling Haaland.

It was Real Madrid that created the biggest chance of the first half hour though; a rare slack pass from Rodri allowed Vinicius Junior an opening on the left flank, and only heroic defending from Ruben Dias prevented the Brazilian’s cross from finding Karim Benzema for a tap-in.

If that was a warning sign, City didn’t heed it. A burst from Eduardo Camavinga down the left, leaving Bernardo Silva in his wake, left space in the middle for Vinicius to crack in a brilliant opener with Madrid’s first shot of the night.

The chances flowed a little more at the beginning of the second period, with a nice move from the hosts culminating with John Stones narrowly blocking from Benzema, before De Bruyne was again denied by Courtois, this time from close range.

Just as the game seemed to be running away from City and heading for a second Madrid goal, De Bruyne stepped up.

Good work from Rodri won the ball back on the edge of hosts’ box, before Ilkay Gundogan teed up De Bruyne from miles out, as the Belgian lashed a bullet of a low finish past his international goalkeeper to level things.

City had to call on the goalkeeper within their ranks to keep things all square 12 minutes from time, as Toni Kroos’ devilish free-kick landed onto Benzema’s head, and Ederson flung out a hand to save the Frenchman’s effort.

It was an equally crucial intervention in the 89th minute, as substitute Aurelian Tchouameni lined one up from range and the Brazilian got a big glove to it.

City just about rode out the pressurised final minutes, and will have to be ready to do it all again at the Etihad Stadium next Wednesday.

Here’s how we rated the players from Manchester City’s high-intensity draw with Real Madrid:

Starting XI

Ederson – 8

Couldn’t have saved the rocket Real goal, but kept City level with top saves to deny Benzema and Tchouameni in the second half.

Kyle Walker – 6.5

Looked largely assured, but made one or two rash decisions which almost cost him in his duel with Vinicius Junior.

Ruben Dias – 7.5

Had a mixed evening, as he made one or two errors on the ball but did outstanding work defensively.

Manuel Akanji – 6

Just about managed to keep Rodrygo out, but wasn’t convincing at all in his one-on-ones.

John Stones – 8

Was well at home in the midfield with some of the world’s best, and dropped into the backline to make key blocks too.

Rodri – 7.5

Another man with mixed fortunes, as he was occasionally sloppy on and off the ball but played a key part in the goal and came up with some vital tackles and interceptions.

Ilkay Gundogan – 7.5

Collected the assist for the De Bruyne goal and had some nice moments of control in the midfield.

Kevin De Bruyne – 8.5 (MOTM)

As we always expect on the big stage, he made the difference. City’s most dangerous attacker and the scorer of a beautiful equalising goal.

Bernardo Silva – 5.5

Unusually for him, a poor outing which saw him back-pocketed by Camavinga.

Erling Haaland – 6.5

A similarly quiet night for the Norwegian, with a few decent pieces of link-up play all to write home about.

Jack Grealish – 7

Had to contend with an opponent in Dani Carvajal who is seemingly exempt from the basic rules of football, and did a decent job going both ways.