Football
Man City Vs Real Madrid Player Ratings As Haaland Shines, Lewis Struggles, Vini Jr And Bellingham Have The Last Laugh
Ben Horlock is a sports news and features writer who holds a degree in sports journalism (BA Hons) from Southampton Solent University. Ben has been published across a wide variety of news outlets and websites including HITC, 90min, GiveMeSport, Betfair and Zoo Magazine. As well, Ben has worked in social media for four years in the sports gambling industry. For his sins, Ben is a QPR fan and is a keen follower of all the major European football leagues.
Get to know Ben Horlock betterPublished12 Feb 2025
Check out our Man City vs Real Madrid player ratings as Los Blancos claimed a priceless 3-2 win at the Etihad.
We also have the Man City vs Real Madrid highlights whereby you can see all five goals in the UEFA Champions League first-leg play-off.
Man City Vs Real Madrid Player Ratings
Man City (4-1-4-1)
Ederson – 6
Was arguably at fault for Real Madrid’s second equaliser with a poor clearance. Made a number of smart saves before that including a fine stop to deny Mbappe.
Manuel Akanji – 7
A strong first-half display before he was subbed at the interval. Looked sharp and demonstrated his physicality. Came close to scoring, too.
Rúben Dias – 6
Not the finest performance in a City shirt for the Portuguese defender. An admirable showing but didn’t help the cause with the two late goals.
Nathan Ake – 6
Similar to Diaz, not his greatest showing in City’s colours. Had his hands full most of the night and was almost at fault for a goal after Rodrygo nicked the ball from him.
Josko Gvardiol – 8
The Croatian continues to have an impressive season, despite City’s slump at the end of last year. Created the opener and chested down beautifully for Haaland to dispatch.
John Stones – 7
The like-for-like replacement for Rodri had very big shoes to fill but the England man can be proud of his efforts. Would expect him to be tasked with the same role for the return leg.
Savinho – 7
Another who shined but couldn’t quite force a goal. His pace often caused Real Madrid problems but nearly screwed up as Valverde almost netted.
FULL-TIME | Work to do in Madrid ⏸️
🩵 2-3 🟠 #ManCity | #UCL pic.twitter.com/VIWL7F6ozI
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 11, 2025
Kevin De Bruyne – 7
The Belgian maestro was due another stunning UCL performance and he wasn’t far away here. Will be aiming to turn it on once again at the Bernabeu.
Bernardo Silva – 6
Knows he can do better but did show glimpses of his world class ability. Similar to KDB, will need to up his game in the return leg if City are to progress.
Jack Grealish – 7
A cruel blow for the England man who was subbed off injured after making a rare start. Provided a lovely dinked ball which was eventually finished off by Haaland.
Erling Haaland – 9
Easily City’s best player and perhaps we are being ruthless in not giving him the Player of the Match award. Norwegian star scored twice and is 66/1 with the best football betting sites in the UK to win the PFA PotY award.
Substitutes
Phil Foden – 7 (on for Jack Grealish 30′)
Won the penalty and caused Madrid a few problems
Rico Lewis – 5 (on for Manuel Akanji 46′)
A night to forget for the youngster who struggled against Vini Jr. Mistake at the end cost City a draw
Mateo Kovacic – 6 (on for Nathan Ake 61′)
Midfielder struggled to impose himself on the game
Ilkay Gungogan – N/A (on for Kevin De Bruyne 84′)
Omar Marmoush – N/A (on for Savinho 84′)
Real Madrid (4-3-3)
Thibaut Courtois – 7
A solid performance from the Belgian shot-stopper. Had his fingers stung by Phil Foden. Couldn’t stop either Haaland goal.
Federico Valverde – 6
Makeshift right-back held his own for large parts of the game. A decent enough performance from the Uruguayan international.
Raúl Asencio – 7
Was tasked with marshalling Haaland and did so fairly well. Will be vital in thwarting City’s star man in the return leg in Spain.
Aurélien Tchouaméni – 7
An admirable performance from the midfielder-turned-defender. Helped marshal Haaland alongside Asencio and can hold his head up high.
Ferland Mendy – 6
Struggled in the early stages against the pace of Savinho. Would have been grateful when the City winger was switched to the opposite flank.
Dani Ceballos – 7
A mixed and eventful evening for the former Arsenal loanee. Set up the first equaliser but then gave away the penalty whereby his teammates bailed him out.
Eduardo Camavinga – 6
Started off fairly slow but grew into the game in the latter stages. City put a lot of emphasis on the Frenchman and often overran him.
💫 MVP 💫 pic.twitter.com/ZrQQin6Csm
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 11, 2025
Jude Bellingham – 8
The England star didn’t offer much of an attacking threat but stole the headlines with his injury-time winner. Interestingly, that was his 6th last-minute winner for Los Blancos.
Rodrygo – 6
Has certainly had better performances for Madrid. Was fairly anonymous throughout and will need to rediscover his best form at the Bernabeu.
Kylian Mbappe – 7
Scored one of the strangest goals of his career when he shinned home the first equaliser. Was also guilty of missing some good chances after half-time.
Vini Jr – 9
A Player of the Match showing from the Brazilian who was targeted by the City faithful. Rattled the bar with a thundering effort before assisting the winner. Who needs the Ballon d’Or?
Substitutes
Luka Modric – 6 (on for Dani Ceballos 81′)
Didn’t have long to impact or dictate the game.
Brahim Diaz – 7 (on for Rodrygo 84′)
Former City man netted the second equaliser. Didn’t celebrate out of respect but a huge goal in the tie.