Real Madrid defeated Manchester City 5-1 on aggregate in the last 16 of the Champions League thanks to the brilliant performances of Vinicius and Thibaut Courtois.
Thibaut Courtois – 8.5
The consistency and quality of Courtois’ performances should not diminish the accolades he has received. Several saves were made in the first half, two of which came in a first-half tie, before being called back. In the most decisive moments of the game, he controlled Real Madrid.
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Trent Alexander-Arnold – 4
Another performance where his offensive production didn’t outweigh his defensive issues. Alvaro Arbeloa assigned Fede Valverde and Thiago Pitacci to look after him, which is understandable as Jeremy Docu passed him with ease on a number of occasions. Doku’s cross should also have been cleared to set up City’s goal.
Antonio Rudiger – 6
It was a strange performance for the Real Madrid defense because although they conceded one goal, they gave up a lot of chances and were lucky not to give up more. Rudiger’s performance improved as the night went on, but he also lost Erling Haaland on several occasions.
Dean Huyson – 7
Huizen was sharper than his defensive partner and was good on the ball, helping Real Madrid get out of some difficult situations. As time goes by, he looks more and more like himself.
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Fran Garcia – 7
Fran Garcia performed well despite the injuries to Ferland Mendy and Alvaro Carreras. It also moved forward smoothly once or twice. It’s worth noting that City didn’t end up attacking his team much.
Federico Valverde – 6.5
There are some really good moments and some not-so-impressive ones. His mistake in the opening minute, after all the hard work, was really bad. Even the rebound he scored that was ruled offside was a bad turnover in the first round. More cautiously this time.
Thiago Pitacci – 6.5
He works hard in the midfield and plays a vital role in Real Madrid’s stability in the midfield. At the same time, Doku was beaten easily by Doku on several occasions and also conceded the ball on several occasions in their own half.
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Aureliano Chuameni – 8
He was not sharp enough to close down City on the edge of the penalty area in the opening 20 minutes, but has since become a regular under Arbeloa. There were some good moments to follow, his first cross setting up Vinicius’s second which was a delight.
Alda Gulle – 7.5
He won a penalty last week with a brilliant strike for Vinicius Junior and has been instrumental in Real Madrid’s best goals on several occasions. What Real Madrid were looking for after getting it was Guler, who fed Brahim Diaz and Vinicius well.
Brahim Diaz – 7.5
Brahim Diaz fared much better, breaking through City’s defense whenever given the chance and nearly scoring a brilliant goal after knocking down Ruben Dias. The ball faded a bit before being replaced with 20 minutes left in the game.
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Vinicius Junior – 8.5
The only thing that cost him a better result was some poor finishing, but Vinicius was the best player on the pitch and the instigator of the game’s decisive moments. Easily getting past his marker on multiple occasions, he eventually earned a second penalty – which he won – after scoring from the penalty spot in injury time. It was his best finish (finish line aside).
Substitute
Andre Lunin – 7
Coming on at half-time for the injured Thibaut Courtois, he looked sharp and confident. The truth is, the saves he made were routine, but he also did well at one point to intercept a late ball from just outside the goal line.
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Kylian Mbappe – 6.5
After missing a good chance alone at the back post, he got past Rayan Ait Nouri in midfield. Maybe it was unfortunate that he didn’t get a foul after pulling the jersey, but at least he looked healthy in that move, which was his most notable move of the game.
Eduardo Camavinga – 6.5
He came on in place of Guler in the last 15 minutes and performed very cleanly.
Manuel Angel – 6.5
Like Camavinga, he stayed in the game for the final 15 minutes and didn’t do much wrong. The game was no longer competitive at that point.
Danny Carvajal – N/A
Trent Alexander-Arnold came on for the final six minutes.