Manchester City’s Champions League journey came to an abrupt end following a 5-1 aggregate loss to Real Madrid in the last 16.
After falling behind 3-0 in the initial clash in Madrid, City’s hopes of a comeback dwindled further when Bernardo Silva was dismissed for intentionally handling a Vinicius Jr shot destined for the net.
Vinicius Jr capitalized on the subsequent penalty, putting Real Madrid ahead 1-0 in the second leg, extending the aggregate score to 4-0.
The Brazilian forward sealed Real Madrid’s triumph by netting his second goal during stoppage time in the second half.
JACK GAUGHAN from Daily Mail Sport was present at the Etihad Stadium to assess the performances of both teams’ players.
Bernardo Silva (left) was sent off for this deliberate handball during Manchester City’s Champions League last-16 second-leg tie with Real Madrid on Tuesday night
MANCHESTER CITY
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 6.5
Stood tall on a couple of occasions, and a top save from Aurelien Tchouameni’s header, while Real’s other efforts on goal were largely wayward.
Matheus Nunes – 6.5
Might feel he could have done more for the opener. Generally proved why he should have played last week though.
Abdukodir Khusanov – 8.5
Incredible performance. Often a one-man band in staving off Real counters. Sometimes stretched but that was to be expected.
Ruben Dias – 5
Shaky performance at the back for City and almost embarrassed by Brahim Diaz before coming off at half-time.
Ruben Dias (left) was shaky in defence for Manchester City before being hooked at half-time
Rayan Ait-Nouri – 6.5
The Algerian’s attacking output followed the same pattern as recent weeks: positive until the final pass, which should come.
Rodri – 7
Tried to drive the hosts forward. A huge shift once Bernardo Silva saw red and patrolling midfield alone is no picnic.
Bernardo Silva – 4
Sent off for deliberate handball on the goal line in the 20th minute, effectively signalling an end to the tie.
Rayan Cherki – 7
Gives something extra in the final third. That said, should play the pass for Jeremy Doku’s disallowed goal for offside earlier.
Tijjani Reijnders – 5.5
Nothing really came off for him, even though the game’s fast pace played into his abilities as a midfielder.
Jeremy Doku – 8
Box of tricks all night and creating far more tangible chances than City fans have been used to over the last two years.
Jeremy Doku (right) was a problem for the Real Madrid defence all night on Man City’s wing
Erling Haaland – 7
Will be glad to get a goal from open play and will wonder if he could have netted a hat-trick on a night he looked much livelier.
Subs
Marc Guehi (for Reijnders, 46) – 6
Nathan Ake (for Dias, 46) – 6.5
Omar Marmoush (for Haaland, 57) – 6
Antoine Semenyo (for Nunes, 57) – 6
Nico Gonzalez (for Rodri, 74) – 6
REAL MADRID
Thibaut Courtois – 8
Two early saves, one exceptional from Rodri’s effort. And an incredible stop to thwart Erling Haaland before coming off.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6.5
While not winning the battle, gave as good as he got up against Doku. Decent use of the ball too.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was tidy in possession and stuck to the task of Doku reasonably too
Antonio Rudiger – 5.5
Actually looked like the one in Real’s back four who was spooked by City on an uncomfortable night.
Dean Huijsen – 7
Huge early block to deny Reijnders at a moment when City swarmed all over Real.
Fran Garcia – 6
Allowed Cherki to get the better of him plenty, especially before the break. Tried to push City’s wide men back.
Federico Valverde – 6.5
Real’s spare link man in midfield when they were breaking. Missed a huge chance in the opening seconds.
Thiago Pitarch – 6
Energetic in the middle without truly having an impact on proceedings but did nothing silly in there.
Aurelien Tchouameni – 7.5
Almost nicked a second for Madrid in the 70th minute and barely wasted a pass in a classy display.
Aurelien Tchouameni (centre) produced a classy display in midfield for the Spanish giants
Arda Guler – 6.5
Decent defensively. Quiet night when Real were caught between playing slowly and wanting to go long.
Brahim Diaz – 7
Some nice moments, could’ve scored a stunner when dumping Dias on his backside. Only 37 touches.
Vinicius Jr – 7.5
Pantomime villain as he mimicked crying to home fans when scoring the penalty. Missed some fine chances but eventually got his second late on.
Subs
Andriy Lunin (for Courtois, 46) – 7
Kylian Mbappe (for Diaz, 69) – 6.5
Manuel Angel (for Thiago, 74) – 6
Eduardo Camavinga (for Guler, 74) – 6
Dani Carvajal (for Alexander-Arnold, 83)
