Foden & Gvardiol light up Madrid

Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol spectacular goals illuminate the Bernabeu - yet Erling Haaland was conspicuously absent.

Two extraordinary goals rescued Pep Guardiola's underperforming team from defeat, although they'll be disappointed not to secure a victory.

Manchester City and Real Madrid delivered a thrilling modern Champions League encounter, treating fans to a spectacle of incredible goals in an exhilarating 3-3 draw on Tuesday.

The holders, Manchester City, got off to a flying start with Bernardo Silva's early free-kick finding the back of the net. However, Real Madrid responded with deflected strikes from Eduardo Camavinga and Rodrygo, swinging the momentum in their favor. Despite Madrid's dominance, City clawed their way back into the game, with Phil Foden unleashing a stunning equalizer before Josko Gvardiol added his own sensational strike to the mix.

Gvardiol's goal would have been a deserving winner, but Federico Valverde had the final say with a powerful strike into the bottom corner, ensuring the match ended in a thrilling stalemate. The result sets the stage for an eagerly anticipated quarter-final second leg clash in Manchester next week.

Pep Guardiola will undoubtedly face some tough decisions following yet another disappointing performance in a crucial match from Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker's lackluster showing was so glaring that he would have little grounds to dispute being left out of the lineup for the second leg.

Haaland's subpar display raises questions about his suitability for such high-stakes encounters and puts pressure on Guardiola to reconsider his role in the team. The manager will need to carefully assess Haaland's form and contribution to the squad, weighing up whether changes are necessary to bolster Manchester City's chances in the upcoming crucial fixtures.

Guardiola may have to explore alternative options in attack or tactical adjustments to address any deficiencies highlighted by Haaland's performance. Ultimately, the decision to potentially drop Haaland for the second leg will require careful consideration of the team's overall strategy and the player's ability to deliver under pressure in pivotal moments.

Manchester City's players rating from Santiago Bernabeu

Goalkeeper & Defence Ratings

Stefan Ortega (6/10):

Ortega faced a challenging evening, conceding goals due to unfortunate deflections and a powerful strike from Valverde. He appeared less composed in possession than usual, often resorting to long clearances that yielded limited success.

Manuel Akanji (5/10):

Akanji struggled to cope with the pace and movement of Real Madrid's attacking players, particularly Vinicius and Rodrygo. He found himself frequently outpaced and outmaneuvered, contributing to Manchester City's defensive difficulties.

John Stones (6/10):

Stones showed glimpses of attacking intent with a couple of ventures forward, but he was largely on the back foot as Real Madrid gained control of the game. However, he regained his confidence and composure as the match progressed, providing a steadying presence in defense after the halftime break.

Ruben Dias (5/10):

Dias faced challenges dealing with Real Madrid's rapid counterattacks, struggling to contain their pacey forwards. His positioning was called into question for Camavinga's goal, as he turned his back and inadvertently deflected the shot into the net.

Josko Gvardiol (8/10):

Gvardiol delivered his finest performance for Manchester City, justifying the club's significant investment in him. He exhibited aggressive defending, effective ball distribution, and capped off his performance with a stunning goal. Gvardiol's all-around display demonstrated his value to the team and showcased his potential as a top-class defender.

Midfield Ratings

Rodri (5/10):

Rodri experienced a challenging evening, frequently losing possession and facing a formidable opponent in Bellingham. Despite this rare off night, the Spaniard extended his remarkable unbeaten record to 65 games for both club and country, highlighting his overall consistency and value to the team.

Mateo Kovacic (6/10):

Kovacic demonstrated composure and effectiveness amidst the chaotic nature of the match, fulfilling his duties in midfield admirably. His ability to maintain calmness and stability contributed to Real Madrid's performance, earning him a solid rating for his efforts.

Bernardo Silva (6/10):

Silva showcased his quality with a well-taken free-kick goal, adding to Manchester City's tally. However, he was guilty of surrendering possession frequently throughout the game. Despite his occasional lapses, Silva's contribution in attack was notable, warranting a respectable rating for his overall performance.

Attack Ratings

Phil Foden (7/10):

Foden once again displayed his immense talent on the grand stage of European football, showcasing the skills that have made him a standout performer in the Premier League throughout the season. His impact on the game was notable, demonstrating his ability to shine on the biggest of occasions.

Erling Haaland (3/10):

Haaland endured a difficult outing, struggling against the imposing presence of Rudiger throughout the match. He failed to register a single shot on goal or create any significant opportunities, rendering him ineffective in posing a threat to the opposition's defense. It was a disappointing performance from the usually prolific striker, highlighting the challenges he faced against a strong defensive line.

Jack Grealish (6/10):

Grealish delivered a typically intelligent and selfless performance, contributing effectively to Manchester City's attacking efforts. His performance notably improved in the second half, where his hold-up play proved crucial in helping City regain momentum. Grealish's ability to elevate his performance when needed demonstrates his importance to the team's attacking dynamics.

Substitutes & Manager Ratings

Julian Alvarez (N/A):

Alvarez entered the game in the 85th minute, replacing Foden. Limited time on the pitch prevented a thorough assessment of his performance.

Pep Guardiola (5/10):

Guardiola's decision to deploy a defensive lineup didn't yield the desired results, as Real Madrid outperformed Manchester City for much of the 90 minutes. However, the impact of substitutes Foden and Gvardiol ultimately spared Guardiola from facing significant scrutiny or criticism. While the initial game plan may have backfired, Guardiola's ability to adapt and make effective substitutions played a crucial role in salvaging a result for his team. Despite the mixed outcome, Guardiola's tactical adjustments showcased his managerial acumen and ability to influence the game when needed.