Real Madrid

Real Madrid player ratings vs Man City: Vinicius Jr. runs the show again as Eduardo Camavinga impresses in Champions League semi-final

Thomas Hindle
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Vinicius Jr Real Madrid 2022-23
The Brazilian forward opened the scoring at Santiago Bernabeu with a stunning strike, but Los Blancos were eventually held to a 1-1 draw

Vinicius Jr. turned in another sparkling Champions League performance for Real Madrid, tearing the right side of Manchester City's defence apart. His quality on the ball, and industry off it, ensured that Madrid secured a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final clash.

The Brazil international emphatically netted the first goal of the tie, smashing a long-range effort into the top corner past a reeling Ederson. Madrid threatened to add a second after the break, with Vinicius, Rodrygo and Toni Kroos all putting attempts on goal.

But Carlo Ancelotti's side couldn't capitalise on their extended spell of possession, and they were made to rue missed opportunities after Kevin De Bruyne found the bottom corner with a driven effort midway through the second half.

There was a late charge from the home side as they looked to take a lead to the Etihad Stadium for the return leg, but a second goal never came, with Ederson denying Aurelien Tchouameni in the closing stages.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Santiago Bernabeu...

Editors' Picks

  1. Goalkeeper & Defence
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    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Thibaut Courtois (7/10):

    Forced into a couple of saves early on. Denied De Bruyne with an excellent stop. Can't be faulted for the goal.

    Dani Carvajal (6/10):

    Given the runaround by Grealish early, then wound him up. Probably should have been booked three times in the first half. Much better, and far more composed, in the second.

    Antonio Rudiger (7/10):

    Handled Haaland reasonably well throughout. Made sure Madrid didn't miss the suspended Eder Militao.

    David Alaba (7/10):

    Made an excellent block to deny Haaland when the striker seemed certain to score. A composed showing.

    Eduardo Camavinga (8/10):

    Excellent defensively. Became the youngest player to set up a goal in a Champions League semi-final after assisting Vinicius' opener. The only blemish was giving the ball away in the build up to City's equaliser.

  2. Midfield
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    Midfield

    Federico Valverde (7/10):

    Pinged it around for passages, but spent most of his time putting in a shift off the ball.

    Toni Kroos (7/10):

    Picked up a silly yellow just before half time. Completed 95 percent of his passes, though.

    Luka Modric (6/10):

    Made a quick recovery after sustaining a hamstring injury just over a week ago. Broke out the usual array of clever touches and nifty passes, but saw his influence wane in the second half.

  4. Attack
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    Attack

    Rodrygo (6/10):

    Had some bright moments, but most of the attention was on the other wing.

    Karim Benzema (5/10):

    A loose touch or two hurt his team early on. Looked flat-footed at times. Still dangerous, but looks short of his best at the moment.

    Vinicius Jr (9/10):

    Smashed one into the top corner to give his team the lead. Gave Walker a nightmarish evening. The world's best winger right now?

  5. Subs & Manager
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    Subs & Manager

    Marco Asensio (6/10):

    A late introduction for Rodrygo.

    Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):

    Offered some defensive solidity and almost netted a late winner.

    Nacho (N/A):

    Relieved an exhausted Modric.

    Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):

    Went with his strongest XI, albeit with the risk of deploying Kroos as a No.6. His side had less of the ball in the first half, but grabbed a crucial goal and found a foothold in the game. Ancelotti will perhaps be disappointed to not have won here, but the quality of performance can't really be called into question.