Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago
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Man City player ratings vs Real Madrid: Bernardo Silva ruins the game, Jeremy Doku electric

Harri Burton
Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Manchester City put up a fight against Real Madrid, but could not claw back at the three-goal deficit from the Champions League round of 16 first leg.

Despite a bright start to proceedings on Tuesday, 17 March, the Citizens were down to 10 men, with Bernardo Silva being sent off for handball on the goalline before losing 5-1 on aggregate.

Vinicius Junior netted the resulting spot-kick, and while Erling Haaland grabbed one back before the half-time break, Pep Guardiola's side failed to deal any further damage in front of a subdued home crowd.

Man City must now focus on other competitions, being knocked out of Europe after a determined fight, and the manager will have learned a lot from his side at the Etihad Stadium.

Bernardo Silva destroys all hope of a fairytale comeback

Silva was sent off after just 20 minutes, basically destroying City's dominance after just a single Real Madrid chance.

While many will argue that it was simply instinctive from the 31-year-old, it was a foolish move to make for someone so experienced, especially given that he wears the captain's armband.

Any chance of overturning the three-goal deficit instantly disappeared, with home supporters furious just halfway through the first half.

Jeremy Doku continues fighting right until the end

Despite going down to 10 men, Jeremy Doku was a problem for Los Blancos all night, likely giving Trent Alexander-Arnold nightmares from the last time the two met on the pitch.

He was City's brightest player in the final third, even getting back to help defend at times, and that is more than Guardiola could have asked of the tricky winger under the circumstances.

With 14 dribbles attempted [FotMob], Real Madrid players were frightened to go anywhere near him

Man City player ratings in 2-1 loss vs Real Madrid

  • Gianluigi Donnarumma - 7
  • Matheus Nunes - 5
  • Abdukodir Khusanov - 7
  • Ruben Dias - 4
  • Rayan Ait-Nouri - 5
  • Rodri - 7
  • Rayan Cherki -7
  • Bernardo Silva - 1
  • Tijjani Reijnders - 7
  • Jeremy Doku - 8
  • Erling Haaland - 5

Substitutes

  • Marc Guehi (On for Dias 46') - 6
  • Nathan Ake (On for Reijnders 46') - 5
  • Omar Marmoush (On for Haaland 56') - 5
  • Antoine Semenyo (On for Nunes 57') - 6
  • Nico Gonzalez (On for Rodri 74') - 5
Manchester City
Real Madrid
Bernardo Silva
Jeremy Doku
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