Manchester City 1(3) - Real Madrid 1(4): Los Blancos' Player Ratings as defending champions dumped out | UEFA Champions League 2023-24

Real Madrid held their nerve in the face of Manchester City's ruthless attack as they advanced to the Champions League semifinals on penalties on Wednesday, April 17.

The two sides played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg at the Bernabeu on April 9.

At the Etihad, however, it was always Manchester City's game as the defending champions controlled the affair from start to finish. They had 67 percent of ball possession and nine out of 33 shots on target compared to Madrid's 33 percent ball possession and just three out of eight shots on target.

Earlier in the game, however, Real Madrid seemed to have stolen the tie, opening the scoring against the run of play. A cross from Vinicius found Rodrygo who needed two tries to put it past Ederson to make it 1-0 in the 12th minute.

The visitors were on the back foot for the rest of the entire affair as they dealt with wave after wave of City attack resiliently. However, Pep Guardiola's side did manage to find the equalizer in the 76th minute. Following Jeremy Doku's mazy run, Antonio Rudiger could not clear the ball properly and it fell kindly to Kevin De Bruyne who lashed home from close range.

The Cityzens continued to dominate the affair even through extra time but could not unlock Real Madrid's defense for the second time as the tie headed to penalties.

It was a nightmare start for the visitors as Julian Alvarez scored just before Luka Modric had his effort saved. However, Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic failed to score as Los Blancos did not miss from then on, handing their side a win and advancing to the last four.

Here are the player ratings for the winners.

Real Madrid Player Ratings

Andriy Lunin - 8/10

Lunin was Real Madrid's hero on the night as he made two saves from the spot. He was also assured in the 120 minutes of action, making eight saves throughout the game.

Dani Carvajal - 6/10

It was a valiant effort from the right-back who had a tough time against Doku down the right. He was eventually exhausted and taken off in the second half of extra time.

Antonio Rudiger - 7.5/10

Similar to his performance in the first leg, the German was instrumental, as Erling Haaland was shut down once again by the Madrid defense. While he was unlucky in his error leading to the goal, he stepped up confidently to score the winning penalty. Rudiger finished the game with five blocks, four clearances, and nine defensive actions.

Nacho - 6.5/10

Nacho had a decent outing in central defense for Nacho alongside Rudiger and he also did well in controlling Haaland.

Ferland Mendy - 6.5/10

He didn't have much to do defensively, with City looking to target Carvajal with both Grealish and Doku throughout the game. He had a solid game otherwise.

Eduardo Camavinga - 6.5/10

A decent outing from the Frenchman, putting in the hard yards defensively but he did not contribute much on the ball.

Toni Kroos - 7/10

While the German could not really make a difference in possession, he put in a shift defensively, helping Mendy out in the left wing against Phil Foden.

Fede Valverde - 7/10

Yet another game where it seemed like the Uruguayan was everywhere. Similar to Kroos, he helped out Carvajal defensively and was lively in their few moments with the ball, finishing with two dribbles, two clearances, and three interceptions.

Jude Bellingham - 6/10

It was not a memorable outing for Bellingham. Deployed behind Vinicius and Rodrygo, he was largely silent for most of the game but showed composure in converting his penalty during the shootout.

Rodrygo - 7/10

The Brazilian continued his goalscoring form from the first leg. While he was lucky to get a second opportunity with a favorable bounce after his first effort was saved, he was lively throughout and pressed well too — 17/21.

Vinicius Jr - 6.5/10

He bagged the assist for the goal but was largely quiet for most of the affair. He finished with two dribbles, one chance created, and three touches in the box as he was largely isolated, with Real Madrid pinned back for most of the game.

Substitutes

Luka Modric - 5.5/10

The Croatian's introduction for Kroos did not have the desired effect as he could not make a difference. He also had his penalty saved to begin the shootout.

Brahim Diaz - 6/10

Looked lively in his cameo of about 30 minutes but could not contribute much.

Lucas Vazquez - 6.5/10

He stepped in for Vinicius, with Ancelotti looking to lock the game down. He took up the challenge of defending Doku on the right flank and did well, while also converting from the spot.

Eder Militao - N/A

Militao came on too late and did not play enough minutes to merit a rating.