Player Ratings: Manchester City come from behind to beat Real Madrid

Manchester City came into the season-defining match at the Santiago Bernabéu with all the pressure on their shoulders and left it late, but Kevin de Bruyne came up huge to turn the tie on its head with a 2-1 win.

It looked all but over. Manchester City were a goal down, Real Madrid were in control at home. Then everything changed. A system change saw Gabriel Jesus grab a massive headed equalizer before in the ultimate redemption, Kevin de Bruyne, City’s star man, wearing the captain’s armband, stepped up to the spot and buried it as calm as you like.

This win was huge, and was a statement heading into the second leg at the Etihad. City could have easily folded and gone away quietly, just as they did in the 1-0 first leg away defeat to Spurs last season, but this time, there was one notable difference. Kevin de Bruyne was benched after coming back from injury, but this time, he arrived in full glory. The job is not done yet, but a 2-1 away win is an all-important first step in progressing from the Round of 16’s most high-profile draw.

Defense

Ederson (GK): Made a huge save on Benzema, and handled just about everything he could do anything about. (7.5)

Kyle Walker (RB): Got beaten by Vinícius Júnior on more than one occasion, but his recovery speed proved huge. (6.5)

Nicolás Otamendi (CB): Made a mistake on Isco’s goal, and once again looked shaky, although he was strong in the air. (4.5)

Aymeric Laporte (CB): Simply heartbreaking to see him go down injured again. Defended well while he was on, and if City have any hope of keeping Real from scoring an away goal at the Etihad, they will need their star defender. (6)

Benjamin Mendy (LB): Got forward well, but was reckless at times and saw himself get suspended for a silly challenge early in the match. (5)

Midfield

Rodri (CDM): Gave the ball away in some dangerous areas, and made a mistake on the goal. One of his toughest performances of what has been a strong debut season. (5)

İlkay Gündoğan (CAM): Struggled to maintain control of the ball, but put in work defensively to keep Real to just one. (6)

Kevin de Bruyne (CAM): Man of the Match. When City needed their superstar more than ever, he stepped up and delivered a famous performance to show why he’s one of the world’s best, ending City’s penalty woes with ice in his veins. (9)

Attack

Riyad Mahrez (RW): Couldn’t find the finish, but was on the end of several of City’s early chances and looked dangerous. (7)

Gabriel Jesus (ST): He played up top in theory, but in reality showed off tremendous work rate, looking like a left-back at times and came up down the flank in a fluid attack. Missed some early chances, but came up with a massive goal and got Sergio Ramos sent off in a one-on-one to change the complexion of the tie. (8.5)

Bernardo Silva (LW): Faded into the background in attack, but showed off his bulldog-like work rate on both ends. (6.5)

Subtitutes

Fernandinho (CB): Defended brilliantly. Losing Laporte again was a huge moment that could have seen City drop their heads and give up, but the veteran commanded the backline with presence. (7)

Raheem Sterling (LW): A massive substitution. He won the penalty that saw De Bruyne seal the win, and caused Madrid’s defense several problems from the word go. (8)