Manchester City had goals from Gabriel Jesus and Kevin De Bruyne to thanks as they came from behind to beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday night. Pep Guardiola caused a stir pre-kick off by naming Sergio Aguero on the bench and putting his faith in Jesus up front.
But his decision proved justified as the Brazilian outmuscled Sergio Ramos in the box to nod the ball beyond Thibaut Courtois in the Real goal and cancel out Isco’s opener.
De Bruyne then completed the turnaround as he dispatched his penalty with ease after Dani Carvajal had taken out substitute Raheem Sterling in the box.
City had the opportunity to take a 3-1 lead back to the Etihad for the second leg but Riyad Mahrez’s tame free-kick was saved by Courtois following Sergio Ramos’ sending off.
Express Sport are on hand to to assess City’s players – but do you agree with our ratings?
Man City player ratings vs Real Madrid – Champions League
Ederson – 7
Brilliant save to deny Benzema on half hour, was too exposed by his defence to do anything about their opener.
Kyle Walker – 6
Cut off the aerial route well and some driving runs in the second half, failed to take chacne to clear ball for goal.
Nicolas Otamendi – 6
Some good clearances particularly with his head but drawn away from danger area for their opener.
Aymeric Laporte – 6
Beaten by Benzema for clear chance on half hour, limped off minutes later.
Benjamin Mendy – 6
Some rash challenges, had to tread a tightrope after booked for foul on Modric on 30 minutes.
Riyad Mahrez – 5
Not much change from Mendy going forward and rushed his two best chances.
Rodri – 5
Sat deep and mopped up plenty but loose pass led to Isco’s opener.
Ilkay Gundogan – 7
Good game battling hard to shut down the middle, lovely lofted pass for Mahrez.
Gabriel Jesus – 6
Deployed wide left so limited opportunities but tried hard and had two shots cleared first half.
Kevin De Bruyne – 7
Showed nerves of steel to dispatch vital penalty after energetic display.
Bernardo Silva – 5
Appeared unsure what he should be doing and had limited impact as a false nine or out wide.
Man City subs
Fernandinho – 6
Replaced Laporte after half hour and provided some tidy distribution as sweeper.
Raheem Sterling – 6
Replaced Sterling and won the crucial penalty after a burst into the penalty area.
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