Real Madrid Champions League showdown with Manchester City: player by player analysis

Courtois

Enjoyed a relatively calm first half despite City having the upper hand. Dealt with De Bruyne’s forceful shot with ease and managed a couple of focused saves against Haaland. A brilliant save against the his compatriot in the second half was ultimately nullified by the offside flag. He could do little to prevent De Bruyne’s venomous equalizer.

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Carvajal

Held Grealish at bay during the first half without making much of an impact offensively. Tried to show who was boss with a forceful push on the City player just before halftime.

Rüdiger

Dominated the aerial game during the first half, keeping Haaland under control, though not as composed in possession. Entrusted by Ancelotti with the task of sticking to the Norwegian striker. A forceful challenge on Gündogan could have resulted in a booking, but the referee opted for leniency.

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Alaba

A key figure in Madrid’s ball distribution alongside Kroos, he faced challenges during the first half but managed to maintain composure and clarity. Effectively controlled Haaland while also covering for Camavinga. A crucial second-half block denied Haaland a certain goal.

Camavinga

Initially struggled to find his footing, but eventually became instrumental in the opening goal, expertly linking with Modric and providing Vinicius the opportunity to score. The equalizer, however, came from a poorly thought-out pass from him. The mistake visibly affected him, resulting in a clumsy challenge that earned him a yellow card.

Valverde

Slightly adrift in the first half with the ball, but adept at exploiting space on the right flank to support the team during difficult spells. A second-half effort from his powerful right foot was ultimately unsuccessful.

Kroos

Responsible for ball distribution, he initially struggled to find support against City’s relentless pressure. His defensive contributions proved invaluable as the match progressed. A precise free-kick delivery to Benzema nearly resulted in a second goal. Booked for a first-half challenge on Gündogan, he held his own until being substituted for Tchouameni in the 84th minute.

Modric

Madrid’s standout midfielder in the first half, he was at the heart of any promising attack. A deft outside-of-the-boot touch paved the way for Camavinga’s assist on Vinicius’s goal. Replaced by Nacho in the 87th minute.

Rodrygo

Experienced a quiet first half but consistently offered the team options in space. Showcased his repertoire of skillful moves in the second half, posing an increasing threat to City’s defense. Substituted for Asensio in the 81st minute.

Benzema

The Frenchman’s scintillating form was back, enhancing every play and linking seamlessly with his fellow attackers. In a possession-starved first half, he provided glimpses of clarity. A promising second-half chance was thwarted by a deflection, while a powerful header from a Kroos free-kick was denied by Ederson.

Vinicius

Although unable to outpace Walker, he sought to exploit space with diagonal runs, combining effectively with Rodrygo and Benzema. His efforts were rewarded with a superb goal, leaving Ederson with no chance.

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Asensio

Replaced Rodrygo in the 81st minute, taking up a position on the right but focusing on diagonal runs and linking up with Benzema.

Tchouameni

Substituted for Kroos in the 84th minute, and nearly left an indelible impression on the match with a fierce strike that tested Ederson’s reflexes.

Nacho

Introduced in the 87th minute for Modric, he assumed a position on the right, enabling Camavinga to revert to his central role.