LW Vinicius Jr.
Although Vinicius Jr. missed easy chances and easy passes, the left winger did so much good on the ball in terms of creating those chances in the first place despite not having an easy assignment. And with Fede Valverde having to play so defensively, Vini faced a lot of attention from Manchester City’s world-class back line – not just Kyle Walker. Ferland Mendy’s attacking issues did not help Vini either.
Nobody created more chances than Vinicius, who won a team-high four fouls. We have seen better from him, yes, but if this is Vini Jr. at his worst in the Champions League as a finisher, then I will still take it.
Rating: 7.0
CF Karim Benzema
Like Vinicius Jr., Karim Benzema did not have his best game in front of goal, and he was honestly much less involved than the younger forward. However, Karim stood out when it mattered most, stepping up to the plate and cooly converting the penalty he won, using a different technique to the Panenka in the first leg or the previous misses that goalkeepers figured out. And Karim also had an assist in the comeback.
Two clutch goal contributions? Not bad for an off day. Not bad at all.
Rating: 7.0
RW Fede Valverde
With a team-high five tackles, Fede Valverde was EVERYWHERE on the pitch for Real Madrid, and he also had a role in a couple of chances created. By the end of the match, he was back in midfield, holding down the fort with fellow world-class youngster Eduardo Camavinga. Valverde’s energy and defensive work have been decisive so often for Real Madrid in the Champions League, and this was the case again vs. Manchester City. Like with Luka Modric, Fede was KEY to Real not getting overrun by the Cityzens early.
Rating: 7.5
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RW Rodrygo Goes
Man of the Match. This is as good as it gets in the Champions League. Coming off the bench, scoring twice, making ingenious movements off the ball, and finishing like a striker as a right winger.
Beyond those two clutch goals to save Real at the death, Rodrygo was influential in the extra time, as well, working hard to track back and defend (two tackles and two interceptions!) with Real desperate to hold on at 6-5. He made the pass to Karim that set up the penalty, had a great dribble at the end to draw a yellow and waste time, and was a constant threat to City tactically and technically. He is a star.
Rating: 9.5