Champions League

Real Madrid player ratings vs Manchester City

Valverde disguised himself as a ‘9’ as Courtois also shone.

Matthew Childs

Update: Mar 11th, 2026 18:30 EDT

Real Madrid stunned Manchester City in a 3-0 home win that gives them a huge advantage for the second leg in England next week.

However, it was not a perfect performance, with some wobbly legs and a missed penalty. But the good outweighed the bad on the night, and two players take home the plaudits: Courtois and Valverde.

Courtois: A goal-scoring assist and a brilliant save. The Belgian turned provider, delivering a long ball to Valverde that the Uruguayan converted to make it 1-0. He blocked Semenyo’s shot in the 55th minute with his first save of the match. He was also a saviour with a spectacular stop from O’Reilly in the 75th minute.

Trent: The Englishman was, by far, the weakest link in Real Madrid’s defence. Unable to contain Doku on his own, he needed Valverde’s help. He looked somewhat nervous and imprecise in possession. He produced a moment of flair with a chip shot a couple of minutes before being substituted by Valverde in the 83rd minute.

Rüdiger: The German was well positioned throughout. He headed Madrid’s first corner and rattled some defenders with a clearance following a Doku run that went just wide. Always a valuable asset, he was crucial in clearing the ball when Haaland was about to tap a Semenyo shot into an empty net. He also kept a close eye on Haaland during set pieces.

Huijsen: A great performance from the Spanish international, the only change in Arbeloa’s starting eleven compared to Vigo. He dealt well with Haaland and Semenyo in one-on-one situations and cleared five balls.

Mendy: The Frenchman looked as if he had been playing all season, although he eventually showed signs of rust. He dispossessed Doku the first time City entered Madrid’s penalty area. He was substituted by Fran García at half-time, having been Madrid’s third-highest ball winner with three recoveries in the first 45 minutes.

Valverde: The Uruguayan is a true all-rounder. A first half for the ages. He covered the flank, protected Trent’s side, led the press, and even won the ball back on the opposite wing. When City opened up, he dropped deep as a third centre-back. A poor clearance, more out of frustration than composure, gave Bernardo Silva a chance, but he immediately made amends on the next play, scoring the opening goal after beating O’Reilly and Donnarumma. He then scored again from a Vinicius pass with a pure striker’s finish. Not just a hat-trick, but four consecutive goals from the captain. If he once saved Ancelotti’s job, now he seems ready to do the same with Arbeloa’s. He still had enough left in stoppage time to launch another run and fight for a ball that brought the Bernabéu to its feet. A complete performance.

Thiago: Arbeloa did not hesitate to give him a starting spot, and the academy graduate did not shy away from such a high-stakes match. He committed fully to every run and earned a standing ovation from the Bernabéu after relentlessly pressing Doku until the City player cracked. He remained calm even under pressure from Bernardo Silva in the box, playing the ball out from the back. One mistake, his only one of the match, almost allowed O’Reilly to reduce the deficit, but Courtois saved it. A youthful indiscretion. He led the team in passing accuracy, completing 32 of 34 passes (94.1%). He left the pitch to cheers, and part of the Bernabéu crowd began chanting his name when he was substituted by Manuel Ángel in the 76th minute.

Tchouameni: He lasted the full 90 minutes despite an ankle scare midway through the second half. He tried his luck in the 17th minute with a shot from the edge of the box that was blocked by a defender.

Güler: Arbeloa adjusted positions a few minutes after kick-off, shifting the Turk to the right. He was not as brilliant, but he showed hard work, commitment, and tactical discipline. He played the long pass to Vinicius that led to the penalty. A low, driven shot from outside the box, in search of the 4-0, brought the Bernabéu to its feet. He was substituted by Camavinga in the 70th minute. By that point he had recovered possession more times than any Madrid player, with seven recoveries.

Brahim: Good work off the ball, supporting Vinicius’s movements and creating space for Valverde’s runs down the right flank. And when he received the ball, the danger began. He orchestrated the move for the 2-0 and was involved from start to finish in the 3-0, driving forward and providing the assist for Valverde. He produced a brilliant play in the second half that left O’Reilly on the ground. He almost won a second penalty after a mistake from Rúben Dias in possession. He was substituted by Mastantuono in the 76th minute.

Vinicius: He was not at his best. Less active than usual, he failed to complete either of the two dribbles he attempted. A mixed performance: he won a penalty but missed it, his second miss of the season.

Real Madrid player ratings vs Manchester City

Real Madrid substitutes:

Fran García: Came on at half-time for Mendy. He had played only one minute in the previous ten matches, but battled well with Savinho.

Camavinga: Came on for Güler in the 70th minute. The Frenchman returned after missing two matches with a toothache.

Mastantuono: Came on for Brahim in the 76th minute.

Manuel Ángel: Came on for Thiago Pitarch in the 76th minute and worked hard defensively.

Carvajal: Came on for Trent in the 83rd minute.

Real Madrid player ratings vs Manchester City

Real Madrid substitutes:

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