Nico Gonzalez dominates as 2/10 teammate lifeless – Man City player ratings vs Real Madrid
Man City prevailed as 2-1 victors over Real Madrid in the Champions League on 10 December in an intense trip to the Spanish capital.
Prior to the match, attention was on Xabi Alonso as Jurgen Klopp’s became the latest front-runner to head to Real Madrid.
The Spaniard has endured an up-and-down first season at the Santiago Bernabeu which has seen suggestions of a possible sack grow and grow, especially after a shock 2-0 defeat to Celta Vigo on 7 December.
Pep Guardiola‘s side came into the match in excellent form with Man City predicted to push Arsenal close for the Premier League title this campaign.
In what was a dramatic and hectic night in Madrid under the European lights, Football Insider looks at who shone and who underwhelmed for the Cityzens.
Ruben Dias composed, Gianluigi Donnarumma disappoints
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 4
Whilst the Italian was brought in as a world-class shot stopper, he didn’t cover himself in glory at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Gianluigi Donnarumma was powerless to stop Rodrygo’s low-driven opener, raising questions over his credentials to be playing at the top level, especially when his opposite number Thibaut Courtois dropped an inspired performance.
Matheus Nunes – 6
Although Matheus Nunes was above average for the Cityzens in Madrid, it is clear that he is not an out-and-out right-back with Guardiola in need to sign a new one in January for sure.
Ruben Dias – 8
Ruben Dias put in an all-round composed display to limit the hosts attacking chances through the middle of the pitch.
Alonso’s side had far more success down the wings, largely due to the excellent work from the Portuguese and his Croatian counterpart who combined superbly at the back.
Josko Gvardiol – 7
Josko Gvardiol dropped a sensational defensive performance as he contended with the blistering pace of los Blancos’ attack, working well with his centre-back partner.
Nico O’Reilly – 8
Nico O’Reilly’s groundbreaking season continues to go swimmingly as he tucked away a loose Gvardiol ball in the box to get the Cityzens back into the game, with the defender’s all-round maturity on the ball clear to see.
Nico Gonzalez masterful, Phil Foden toothless
Bernardo Silva – 4
The 31-year-old looked after the ball well against los Galacticos, however, was poor in his defensive work as he failed to prevail in nearly all of his ground duels during the match.
Phil Foden – 2
Recently in scintillating form under Guardiola with five goals in his last three matches in the Premier League, Phil Foden couldn’t bring his clinical nature to the Champions League.
The Englishman was largely frozen out of the game and struggled to land any punches on the Real Madrid backline.
Nico Gonzalez – 9
Rodri’s successor delivered a top-notch showing as he marauded around the midfield with a clear sense of duty and confidence.
Of note was Nico Gonzalez’s nearly flawless passing as he knocked an incredible variation of long, medium and short balls across the pitch.
Rayan Cherki dazzling, Erling Haaland quiet but clinical
Rayan Cherki – 7
Watching Rayan Cherki is absolutely wonderful as the tricky winger turned Real Madrid defenders inside out with his quick feet and flair.
Jeremy Doku – 7
The Belgium international terrorised Federico Valverde down the left-hand side, attempting 10 dribbles to drive at the Blancos’ rearguard and make something happen.
Erling Haaland – 6
Despite converting from the penalty spot, it was a quiet night for the Norway international who had to be clinical with his two shots he had during the game.
Substitutions:
Omar Marmoush – 4
Came on to see out the remainder of the match as Erling Haaland made way, doing little to impact the game.
Tijjani Reijnders – 4
Broughton as part of a triple substitution for the Cityzens, looked lively in glimpses and will be expected to start against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Savinho – 5
Looked dangerous in brief moments down the right-hand side and nearly won Man City a penalty late on as he continues to try and regain trust with Guardiola.
Nathan Ake – 4
Substituted on in the dying minutes of the match as Nathan Ake’s sole purpose was to sure up the backline with an additional defender.