REAL MADRID always find a way in the Champions League and Vinicius Jr made sure they had the last laugh at the Eithad.
The Brazilian winger was taunted by City fans before the game with a huge banner that reminded him of his Ballon d’Or snubbing last season.
But Vini Jr showed his quality throughout as Kylian Mbappe, Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham made the most of Ederson’s tough evening.
Here is how SunSport rated the performances.
MANCHESTER CITY
EDERSON – 5
Some great saves to keep City in the tie – but will be disappointed with the goals and ended up having a disaster.
MANUEL AKANJI – 6
Makeshift right-back did well against Vinicius but picked up a knock and did not reappear for second half.
RUBEN DIAS – 6
City much more solid with the Portuguese at the back but even he found it tough against Real Madrid’s rapid forwards.
NATHAN AKE – 6
Tough to be plunged back from injury in such a difficult game. great tackle to deny Mendy certain goal and lasted.
JOSKO GVARDIOL – 7
Played his part in City opener and a wonderful tackle on Mbappe in second half.
JOHN STONES – 7
Pushed into midfield and it worked wel, but then dropped back in second-half reshuffle.
BERNARDO SILVA – 6
Gave away the free-kick that led to first equaliser but could not fault his work-rate in the middle.
JACK GREALISH – 5
Surprise pick to start and played his part in opener but so unlucky to see his night ended by injury around the half-hour mark.
KEVIN DE BRUYNE – 6
Did not stand out like he has sometimes against Madrid but the skipper deserved his ovation.
SAVINHO – 6
Worried the visitors at times in the first half with his pace and directness but faded in the second half.
ERLING HAALAND – 8
Finally broke his duck against Madrid, hit the bar after the break and kept his nerve with the pen.
SUBS:
FODEN (for Grealish 30) 6
Won the pen and some nice moments.
LEWIS (for Akanji 46) 5
Painful ending for the youngster.
KOVACIC (for Ake 61) 5
Struggled to make an impact against old club.
GUNDOGAN for De Bruyne 86) 5
Not much chance to make impact.
MARMOUSH (for Savinho 86) 5
No time to do anything of note.
REAL MADRID
THIBAUT COURTOIS – 6
Good save from Foden but not given much chance with Haaland goals.
FEDE VALVERDE – 7
Too good to be playing full-back but showed his quality. Run and shot that clipped the bar.
AURELIEN TCHOUAMENI – 6
Pressed into action as an emergency centre-back and did a decent job for his boss.
RAUL ASENCIO – 7
Only fit centre back, produced a good block to keep out Haaland in the first half and kept it together when City got on top.
FERLAND MENDY – 6
Dallied too long with a sight of goal allowing Ake to block – kept it tight down his flank. 6
EDUARDO CAMAVINGA – 7
A class act in the middle of the park helped Madrid get control back off City in the first half.
DANI CEBALLOS – 5
Provided the key pass that finally got Madrid level but then clumsy tackle on Foden for the pen.
JUDE BELLINGHAM – 7
Header wide from Vinicius cross early in second half and saw another saved by Ederson but had the last word.
RODRYGO – 6
So often the scourge of City and always a threat but it was his replacement who got the equaliser.
KYLIAN MBAPPE – 7
Could have had a hat-trick in the first half before finally scoring off his shin – what a livewire though.
VINICIUS JR – 8
Booed by home fans over the Ballon d’Or snub but showed his quality to create the dramatic late winner.
SUBS:
MODRIC (for Ceballos 80) 6
Some nice touches from the veteran.
BRAHIM (for Rodrygo 84) 6
Key moment as he grabbed the second equaliser against old club.
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