Match Report and Player Ratings: Juventus 2-0 Manchester City (UEFA Champions League) | OneFootball

Manchester City sank to 22nd in the UEFA Champions League table after a 2-0 defeat to Juventus at the Allianz Stadium on Wednesday night.

The Blues dismal run of form continued with two second-half goals from the hosts with Dusan Vlahovic’s header and Weston McKennie’s effort enough to give City their seventh loss since the 30th of October.

Pep Guardiola’s side took control of possession early in the game, allowing Juventus just one shot from range in the opening 20 minutes. Both sides moved the ball slowly, waiting for gaps in the other team’s defence.

Jeremy Doku seemed to be the key man in Manchester City’s build-up with his electric feet. The tricky Belgian was taking on the Jack Grealish role of beating his man and winning free-kicks in the opposition half as the Englishman moved into a central role.

But the first real chance of the game came from the other Belgian in Manchester City colours as Kevin De Bruyne’s delicate through ball found Erling Haaland, who could not dink the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio.

The half-time whistle blew shortly after with this chance being the only real highlight of a lacklustre opening half. The Blues would need to step up their game if they wanted to get three points from the Allianz Stadium.

It was the Old lady who came out of the blocks quickest however, as they took the lead through Dusan Vlahovic. Some poor handling from Ederson and a weak clearance allowed the hosts to cross the ball over to the Serbian who somehow managed to beat the Brazilian.

Manchester City responded with a flurry of attacks coming from both sides, but were largely restricted to shots from outside of the box, the best coming from Ilkay Gundogan – whose curling effort was tipped wide by the Juventus goalkeeper.

Despite the pushback from the Premier League champions, Juventus doubled their lead through former Leeds midfielder Weston McKennie’s acrobatics. A dinked cross found the American unmarked, who beat Ederson with a scissor kick in the six-yard box.

A few tame shots followed from City with the full-time whistle looming, but to no avail as Juventus held on to close the game out at 2-0. This loss in turn makes it just one win in Manchester City’s last 10 games across all competitions.

City will now move back to Premier League action to host the Manchester derby against Ruben Amorim’s men on Sunday afternoon at the Etihad Stadium, but before then, here is how we rated the player’s performances on Wednesday night!

Player Ratings

Starting XI

Ederson – 4.5

His poor handling led to Juventus’ goal. Should have done better with both shots.

Kyle Walker (C) – 4

Arguably played better tonight than in recent form. The first goal did come from his side, however.

Ruben Dias – 6

Rock at the back as always. Our most reliable defender by far.

Josko Gvardiol – 4

Poor clearance led to the cross where he got beat in the air for their goal.

Rico Lewis – 4

Struggled physically in midfield and got overran a few times. Had a few tame shots.

Ilkay Gundogan – 4.5

Lacked creativity as we struggled to make chances in this game. Unlucky with his saved effort from distance.

Bernardo Silva – 6

One of the better players in a Manchester City shirt on Wednesday evening. Covered every blade of grass and kept the ball well.

Jack Grealish – 5

Still adjusting to his newer role in the team. Had less of an impact today.

Jeremy Doku – 6.5

Really effective on the wing and played some dangerous balls across the box to nobody.

Kevin De Bruyne – 6.5

Found pockets in the final third and passed through their defensive lines often. Should have had an assist today.

Erling Haaland – 4

Had little impact on the game apart from his missed chance in the first half.

Substitutes

Savinho – 5

Had little influence on the game after coming on.

Matheus Nunes – No time to mark

Came on late in the game so struggled to make a real impact. Would have liked to see him come on sooner.