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Player Ratings: Manchester City 7-0 RB Leipzig (Agg: 8-1, Champions League Last-16 Second-Leg)

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Manchester City booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Tuesday night with a demolition job over RB Leipzig.

The first-leg left the tie somewhat in limbo, following goals from Riyad Mahrez and Josko Gvardiol taking a 1-1 scoreline into the contest at the Etihad Stadium in a crucial week for Pep Guardiola’s side.

A staggering first-half hat-trick from Erling Haaland put the tie beyond any doubt before the half-time whistle even arrived, as the Norwegian forward became the fastest to reach 30 goals in the competition’s history – doing so in 25 appearances.

The 22 year-old first hit home from the penalty spot, before following up a Kevin De Bruyne long-range shot off the crossbar with a header from close-range, and hitting his third in the 47th minute.

Haaland also became the youngest player to score 30 Champions League goals at (22 years 236 days old , overtaking Kylian Mbappé (22y 352d).

The first-half closed off with Haaland blasting home a Ruben Dias shot, securing a treble and effectively the tie as a contest. But Manchester City were far from done in regards entertainment on the night, arguably saving the best until the second-half.

Ilkay Gundogan made it four just minutes into the second-half, before Erling Haaland left all onlookers truly speechless with a further two goals and taking his tally for the evening up to five. Yes, five.

Kevin De Bruyne made sure he got on the act, to shut up all those who were questioning his form and abilities during a crucial stage of the season, firing home from long-range in the closing seconds and topping off a truly exemplary performance to send a shiver down the spine of all those vying for the Champions League title this season.

After another memorable night of European football at the Etihad Stadium, here is how we rated the individual performances of the Manchester City team!

Starting XI

Ederson – 6.5

Clean sheet, but avoided a major scare in the first-half. Then again, he did get the ball.

John Stones – 7.5

Solid, despite playing once again at right-back.

Manuel Akanji – 8

Could’ve scored on multiple occasions, while also offered defensive solidity when called upon.

Ruben Dias – 8

Commanding, cool, and calm at the back. Leading his defensive partners with the leadership traits we all knew he possessed.

Nathan Ake – 8.5

Another sensational performance from a footballer that is staking a serious claim at being Manchester City’s mainstay left-back next season, too. Offensively brilliant, and flawless in defence when needed.

Rodri – 8

A standard performance from the Spaniard. Quietly brilliant, and the anchor in a fluid Manchester City midfield.

Ilkay Gundogan – 8

Took his goal excellently, arrowing the ball into the bottom right corner from what appeared to be a challenging position, and combined well with his Manchester City teammates in attacking spaces.

Kevin De Bruyne – 8.5

He’s back. Is it too early to say that? We don’t think so. After days of question-asking around the Belgian midfielder, wondering whether he is perhaps past his best, the #17 responded in fine fashion and proved his ridiculously high levels of qualities with a last minute screamer from range.

Bernardo Silva – 7.5

Ran his legs off once again, in a trait that no other footballer possesses in this Manchester City team. Was crucial in winning possession back in key areas, too. Again, perhaps quietly brilliant.

Erling Haaland – 10

Five goals. Is there anything more we need to say? Five goals in a single Champions League match, as well as a whole host of records broken in the process is certainly rewarding of a 10/10 rating. You can expect plenty more of this throughout his Manchester City career, so watch this space. What a footballer.

A performance of this magnitude is also worthy of recognising all such achievements:

  • Erling Haaland equalled the Champions League record for most goals scored in a single game in the competition (5) – matching Lionel Messi and Luis Adriano.
  • Erling Haaland became the fastest player in the competition’s history to reach 30 Champions League goals – 25 appearances.
  • Erling Haaland (22y 236d) became the youngest player to score 30 Champions League goals, overtaking Kylian Mbappé (22y 352d).
  • Erling Haaland has now scored FIVE hat-tricks for Manchester City in all competitions this season – three more than any other player in Europe’s big five leagues.
  • Erling Haaland has now broken the club record for most goals scored in a single season… in March.

Jack Grealish – 7.5

Offered width, retained possession well, and collected an assist for Ilkay Gundogan. His corner-kicks were also on point, adding another dimension to Manchester City’s game tonight.

Substitutes

Phil Foden – 6

Riyad Mahrez – 6

Julian Alvarez – 6

Kalvin Phillips – 6

Sergio Gomez – 6

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