Player Ratings: Real Madrid 3-1 Manchester City (6-5 Agg) – 2021/22
Real Madrid make history yet again, beating Manchester City 3-1 (6-5 on aggregate) to reach another Champions League final.
The tie looked dead and buried after Riyad Mahrez’s second-half strike but Rodrygo grabbed a two-minute brace at the death to sensationally send the game to extra time.
In extra time, Karim Benzema stepped up yet again. The Frenchman won and then converted a penalty to complete one of the greatest comebacks of all time after pulling off similar heroics against PSG and Chelsea earlier on in the competition. A truly magical night at the Bernabéu.
Player ratings:
Starting XI:
Thibaut Courtois: 10/10
As reliable as ever. The Belgian made a number of huge saves to keep Real Madrid in the tie. Excellent performance from Thibaut yet again.
Dani Carvajal: 9/10
Eder Militao: 7/10
Militao had a couple of nervy moments early on but grew into the game as time went on. Gave his all despite struggling with a knock throughout the latter stages of the game.
Nacho: 10/10
Nacho suffered at times but he showed great passion and character to dig deep and save his team with a number of excellent last ditch tackles. Heroic performance, especially in extra time.
Ferland Mendy: 9/10
Luka Modric: 6/10
Casemiro: 8/10
Casemiro found life difficult during the first-half but grew into the game as time went on. The Brazilian’s expertise in winning fouls and breaking up play helped Real Madrid have a lot more control of the game compared to the first leg in Manchester.
Toni Kroos: 6/10
A decent performance from Toni who was very calm and composed in the middle of the park. The German ended up being replaced with 30 minutes to go as Real Madrid grew desperate.
Fede Valverde: 8/10
Fede’s energy was crucial as always, as has been the case for Real Madrid throughout the season. Another brilliant performance from the Uruguayan.
Karim Benzema: 9/10
Vinicius Jr: 7/10
Substitutions:
Rodrygo Goes: 10/10 – Came on to replace Toni Kroos as Real Madrid desperately needed goals. The Brazilian put in one of the best substitute cameos you’ll ever see, scoring two goals in the space of two minutes to send the game to extra time. Unbelievable.
Marco Asensio: 6/10 – Came on to replace Casemiro. The Spaniard’s energy was key to Real Madrid seeing out the game.
Eduardo Camavinga: 9/10 – Came on to replace Luka Modric. The young Frenchman put in an incredible shift, creating the opener with a wonderful cross and turning the momentum into Real Madrid’s favour. Monstrous talent.
Dani Ceballos: 7/10 – Came on in the first-half of extra time for Benzema. The Spaniard helped Real Madrid control proceedings and see out the game.
Lucas Vazquez: N/A – Came on to replace Vinicius late on as Madrid looked to run down the clock.
Jesus Vallejo: N/A – Came on to replace Militao deep into extra time.
One thought on “Player Ratings: Real Madrid 3-1 Manchester City (6-5 Agg) – 2021/22”