Manchester City’s dreams of retaining the Champions League were shattered after a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to Real Madrid.
Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic both missed from the penalty spot as City lost 4-3 on penalties after their thrilling quarter-final tie ended 4-4 on aggregate.
Rodrygo had given Real Madrid an early lead in the second leg at the Etihad Stadium, but City otherwise dominated and, after creating a number of chances, finally made it 1-1 that night through Kevin De Bruyne in the 76th minute.
De Bruyne squandered a good chance to win the tie in normal time and Erling Haaland had hit the crossbar earlier, but it was the competition’s 14-time winners who ultimately prevailed.
Mail Sport’s Pete Jenson rated the players on Wednesday night.
Manchester City was eliminated from the Champions League after being defeated on penalties by Real Madrid.
Real held out the game until penalties and won to advance to the semi-finals
Manchester City (4-1-4-1)
Ederson – 6.5
The Brazilian could do nothing about the first goal and was largely a spectator from then on. He scored his penalty.
Kyle Walker – 7
He couldn’t stop Vinicius’ cross that reached Rodrygo to score the first goal. But overall he once again won his duel with the Brazilian.
Manuel Akanji – 7
He carries the ball forward well. He tested Madrid with probing passes. Always available for the easy pass too.
Rubén Días – 6.5
He couldn’t stop Vinicius from crossing from the right for the first goal of the game, but he helped prevent Madrid from causing problems on the counterattack.
Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson scored in the penalty shootout on Wednesday night.
Kevin De Bruyne scored the equalizer but went wide when he could have doubled his tally.
Josko Gvardiol – 7
Booked for a foul on Bellingham. Solid defensive performance with epic extra time to keep Madrid at bay
Rodri – 7
The main victim of that brilliant Bellingham control just before Real Madrid made it 1-0 that night. However, he improved in the second half and began to lead the game.
De Bruyne – 7.5
It’s a big boost to have him back for the second leg. It forced a good save from Lunin in the first half. He scored the equalizer, but it was gone when he could have doubled his score before extra time.
Bernardo Silva – 7
Always looking to invent. He had problems with movement and control of him. Great cross from Foden in extra time. Terrible penalty.
Manchester City forward Erling Haaland suffered further frustration after his header hit the crossbar.
Phil Foden – 6.5
A long shot just before a quiet first half ended. He missed a cross from Silva in extra time, but was still full of runs until injury time.
Jack Grealish – 6.5
He posed problems for Carvajal earlier and brought out a yellow card for the Spain international, but Doku had more end product when he came on.
Erling Haaland – 6.5
The header hit the crossbar. Good break for Grealish to get close too. Still no goals on big nights
Subs
Doku (for Grealish, 65) – 7
Julián Álvarez (for Haaland, 90) – 6.5
John Stones (Manuel Akanji) 111 N/A
Mateo Kovacic (De Bruyne) 111 N/A
Rodrygo combined with Vinicius again to give Real Madrid the advantage at the start of the second leg.
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1)
Andriy Lunin – 8
Two saves in the penalty shootout after a performance that ensured that Thibaut Courtois was not missed too much.
Dani Carvajal – 7.5
Booked for a foul on Grealish. Great clearing header in the first half. He showed his class and fighting spirit at all times.
Antonio Rüdiger – 7
He failed to clear for City’s goal. But the Real Madrid coach in Militao’s absence provided a crucial challenge to block a Grealish shot in the first half. He could have scored in extra time. He then buried the winning penalty.
Nachos – 6
He never showed the distribution talent of the suspended Aurelien Tchouameni, but he was steady and made an important clearance early in the second half. He took his penalty well.
Ferland Mendy – 6.5
She didn’t create much of a threat going forward, but she was immense defensively. Underrated except for Ancelotti who loves him.
Toni Kroos – 6.5
A pirouette to get away from Haaland in the first half was sublime. He finds another level in important games but faded and was replaced.
England star Jude Bellingham covered every blade of grass and played a major role in the goal.
Eduardo Camavinga – 6.5
He had Madrid’s first shot. He worked hard without shining.
Fede Valverde – 6
He did not take advantage of the opportunities that Madrid had against Madrid with wrong decisions in the final pass.
Judas Bellingham – 7
Control was off the scale at that point. He covered every blade of grass and played a big role in the goal, but he missed those lung-busting runs from deep that he had earlier in the season. He buried his sorrow.
Rodrygo – 6.5
The Brazilian fox in the box. He loves Champions League goals, especially those from Vinicius. He faded away and was replaced by Brahim.
Vinícius Junior – 6.5
Chained by Walker on the left. But he changed sides to set up the first goal. It’s not his best night.
Subs
Luka Modric (for Kroos, 78) – 5.5
Brahim Díaz (by Rodrygo, 84) – 6.5
Lucas Vázquez (by Vinicius 101) 5.5
Eder Militao (Dani Carvajal 110) N/A