Real Madrid player ratings after Manchester City defeat: Rüdiger and Courtois stumble

Another setback for Real Madrid, and it is becoming a chronic problem. Not even a superb first half-hour against Manchester City could prevent a defeat in which they deserved far more, given their intent and bursts of energy. But the result is what it is, and it deepens the crisis, however much they might want to cling to the signs of recovery. And there were some.

Here is a player-by-player analysis of Real Madrid’s lineup against Manchester City...

COURTOIS

From problem to solution. His mistake for the 1–1 equaliser, failing to hold on to a ball that should have been routine for him, was striking. The ultimate paradox. With Real Madrid perhaps playing their best half-hour of the season, the one player who let them down was the one who has saved them so many times. O’Reilly, with his powerful strike, punished him brutally. He redeemed himself with an astonishing double save just before the break, and in the second half he made four more stops to contain the damage.

VALVERDE

Once again, the script placed him on the right flank. Up against Doku’s speed, he managed to act as a kind of fire blanket. Very effective at switching play against such an open opponent, he provided ammunition in the late push but could not quite produce something decisive of his own.

ASENCIO

Midway through the first half he had his first clash with Haaland. The Norwegian cyborg sent him flying a full metre with a single shove. After that, he became too absorbed in defensive duties. It did not help that he reacted so strongly when the Bernabéu crowd booed him. He raised his arms in protest, a bad sign, because moments like that tend to linger. When Xabi decided to change things, he was the one sacrificed for another striker.

RÜDIGER

This time Turpin decided the German’s anti-Haaland approach was illegal and awarded a penalty for a persistent pull on the towering Norwegian. He also risked a red card with a wild swipe in the 82nd minute, which earned him his second yellow.

CARRERAS

He fought like a tiger for the opening goal, and that was only the beginning of a brilliant performance. Learning just hours earlier that he would miss the next two league matches due to his red card against Celta, he threw everything into this one. Tireless and fully committed.

TCHOUAMÉNI

Not one of his better contributions, partly because City hardly played through midfield. He was more of an aerial presence in attack than a stabilising force defensively.

CEBALLOS

He was fairly transparent, yet Xabi kept him out there for 66 minutes. It gives the impression he is playing only because there are no alternatives.

RODRYGO

After 32 games without scoring, the drought finally ended. And, as if by fate, it came against City. In the Champions League, his brace against the Citizens in the 14th Champions League trophy win was monumental. He slipped at one point and gave everyone a fright, but he was able to continue, fortunately for Madrid, because he remained dangerous. Even late in the match, he was lively on the right wing. Despite the defeat, it was a much-needed step forward for him.

BELLINGHAM

He allowed Gvardiol to nip in for City’s equaliser and later threw himself into the game with more heart than head, relying on impulse rather than any clear plan. He remains out of rhythm and still looks unsure of his role in Xabi’s Madrid.

VINICIUS JR.

He drove Real Madrid’s early momentum. They nearly won a penalty in the second minute, but Matheus Nunes’s foul, as confirmed by VAR, occurred just centimetres outside the area. He then had the first clear chance of the match, but his delicate finish past Donnarumma drifted wide. He later had another excellent opportunity in the 77th minute, but his header — yes, a header — failed to hit the target.

GONZALO

Mbappé’s injury handed him his biggest opportunity of the season. He worked hard at what Madrid often lack — pressing high up the pitch. But chances were scarce. As the lowest in the pecking order, he was the first to be withdrawn.

GÜLER

He came on for the final half hour tasked with sparking a comeback. But for now, he contributed little defensively. His left foot remained a threat, though mainly from set pieces.

BRAHIM

He offered very little. His most notable moment came when a heavy challenge from Bernardo Silva nearly sent him straight to the treatment room.

ENDRICK

Xabi must have been desperate to call on Bobby, who had played just 11 minutes all season. He fulfilled his role and more. He pressed relentlessly and produced an unstoppable header that crashed against the bar in the 85th minute. He remains far more out than in, and there is a lingering feeling that he has been underused.

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