Vinicius Joins Real Madrid's Epic Victory: Star Performer on Final Match Day!
Real Madrid Player Ratings v Manchester City: Vinicius Junior eventually decisive Real Madrid cruised to a 5-1 aggregate victory over Manchester City in the Champions League Round of 16, courtesy of some key performances from Vinicius Junior and Thibaut Courtois. Thibaut Courtois – 8. 5 The consistency and quality of Courtois’ performances should not subtract from the credit he gets for them.
Made several saves in the first half before being withdrawn, two of which out of the top draw. At the most decisive point of the game, he kept Real Madrid in control. Trent Alexander-Arnold – 4 Another performance where his offensive production did not outweigh his defensive problems.
Alvaro Arbeloa assigned Fede Valverde and Thiago Pitarch to babysit him, and understandably so, as Jeremy Doku breezed past him on several occasions. Also should have cleared Doku’s cross for the City goal. Antonio Rudiger – 6 It was a strange performance for Real Madrid’s backline, because while they conceded once, they gave up a lot of chances, and were lucky not to give up more.
Rudiger improved as the night went on, but lost Erling Haaland on several occasions. Dean Huijsen – 7 Sharper than his defensive partner, Huijsen was also good on the ball, and helped Real Madrid out of a few tight spots. Looking more and more himself as time goes on.
Fran Garcia – 7 A largely positive performance from Fran Garcia in for the injured Ferland Mendy and Alvaro Carreras. Also got forward once or twice well. It was notable that City didn’t end up attacking much down his side.