Real Madrid won 5-1 against Manchester City in the Champions League Round of 16, thanks to important performances from Vinicius Junior and Thibaut Courtois.
Thibaut Courtois – 8.5
The consistency and quality of Courtois’ performances should not take away from the credit we get them. He made several saves in the first half before being withdrawn, two of which came out on top. At the most important point of the game, he kept Real Madrid in control.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 4
Another performance where his offensive production didn’t outweigh his defensive issues. Alvaro Arbeloa assigned Fede Valverde and Thiago Pitarch to guard the youngster, and understandably so, as Jeremy Doku went past him several times. He should have cleared Doku’s ball from the City goal.
Antonio Rudiger – 6
It was a strange game for Real Madrid’s backline, because while they conceded once, they gave up many chances, and were lucky not to give up more. Rudiger got better as the night went on, but lost Erling Haaland several times.
Dean Huijsen – 7
Sharper than his defensive partner, Huijsen was also good on the ball, and helped Real Madrid out of a few tight spots. He kept looking at her as time went on.
Fran Garcia – 7
Excellent performance by Fran Garcia for the injured Ferland Mendy and Alvaro Carreras. And get ahead once or twice well. It is clear that City did not end up attacking his own.
Federico Valverde – 6.5
He had some really good times, and some not so good. His miss in the first minute, having done all the hard work, was very poor. Even the second goal he scored which was ruled offside was a bad miss in the first round. Much more cleverly this time.
Thiago Pitarch – 6.5
He does his job diligently in midfield, and has been key in holding things together in midfield for Real Madrid. At the same time, he was easily beaten by Doku a few times, and gave the ball away a few times in his own half.
Aurelien Tchouameni – 8
In the first 20 minutes he was not sharp enough to close down City on the edge of the box, but after that, he became a regular under Arbeloa. He also had a couple of good moments going forward, and his first time crossing Vinicius’ second was exciting.
Arda Guler – 7.5
Last week he played a wonderful ball past Vinicius Junior to win a penalty, and on many occasions, he contributed to Real Madrid’s best performances as well. It was Guler that Real Madrid wanted when they got him, and he fed Brahim Diaz and Vinicius well.
Brahim Diaz – 7.5
The best from Brahim Diaz, who scored for City when he was given the chance, and almost scored a wonder goal after bringing down Ruben Dias. It faded a bit before being replaced with 20 minutes to go.
Vinicius Junior – 8.5
The only thing that deprived him of a better mark was a terrible finish, but Vinicius was the best player on the pitch, and he was the instigator of the decisive moment of the game. He passed his marker several times, and finally got the second in stoppage time after leaving the penalty area – a penalty he won. This is very good for him (finish aside).
What you are holding
Andriy Lunin – 7
Courtois came on at half time injured and looking sharp and confident. The truth is, the saves he made were routine, but he also came off his line well at one point to block the ball from behind.
Kylian Mbappe – 6.5
After passing a clear opportunity alone in the back area, he fired over Rayan Ait-Nouri from the middle. Perhaps unlucky not to get fouled following the shirt pull, but at least he looked fit during that action, which is the most notable of the game.
Eduardo Camavinga – 6.5
It went on for the last 15 minutes in Guler’s place, and it was neat and tidy.
Manuel Angel – 6.5
Like Camavinga, he continued for the last 15 minutes, he didn’t do too bad. The game was far from competitive at that time.
Dani Carvajal – N/A
It went on for the last six minutes for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
