Man City player ratings vs Real Madrid as two 8/10s shine in big Bernabeu win | Football | Sport

diciembre 11, 2025 3.302

Manchester City have regained control of their Champions League fate after a comeback victory over Real Madrid, winning 2-1 at the Bernabeu and moving back into the top eight of the league phase table. City fell behind just before the half-hour mark when Real exploited too much space to manoeuvre the ball from left to right, with Jude Bellingham’s pass finding Rodrygo, who fired a low shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The visitors had been lacklustre up until that point but equalised when Thibaut Courtois could only deflect Josko Gvardiol’s header from a corner into the path of Nico O’Reilly, who had an easy finish. The game swung in favour of City two minutes before half-time, when Erling Haaland converted a penalty after being fouled by Antonio Rudiger. Express Sport rate and slate the City players…

Gianluigi Donnarumma – 6

Couldn’t do much about the powerfully struck shot for the goal and was caught out for a late corner. Didn’t have many saves to make.

Matheus Nunes – 6

Started off nervously against Vinicius and was relieved to see an early penalty decision overturned. Was beaten on the outside a few times but recovered well.

Ruben Dias – 7

The standout among the defenders, but City would have been relieved to see Mbappe remain on the bench all night. Made a crucial late block from Bellingham.

Josko Gvardiol – 6

Caught in possession for the penalty that wasn’t, in a sloppy moment he occasionally shows. Settled down after that.

Nico O’Reilly – 8

He could have perhaps done more to prevent Rodrygo’s goal, but he wasn’t the only one. Apart from that, he was exceptional. His strong runs down the left and defensive solidity earned him an 8.

Nico Gonzalez – 7

Despite a somewhat shaky start, he seemed to grow into the game, with his steady passing aiding City in controlling much of the second half.

Bernardo Silva – 6

Not his finest performance. He was sloppy leading up to the overturned penalty and was too easily overpowered by Carreras, initiating the move for Rodrygo’s first-half goal.

Phil Foden – 6

By his recent standards, he was quiet and struggled to truly make his mark on the match.

Rayan Cherki – 8

He was quiet for the first half-hour but came alive after delivering the corner for O’Reilly’s goal. He had some majestic moments in the second half and looked at home on this stage.

Jeremy Doku – 6

Made some threatening runs and had ample space to attack at times, but his decision-making and final ball were as poor as they’ve been all season.

Erling Haaland – 7

Scored his penalty well and cleverly highlighted Rudiger’s clumsiness in fouling him. Aside from that, he was somewhat subdued and it was a bold decision to substitute him.