Connect with us

Match Coverage

Player Ratings: Manchester City 3-0 Bayern Munich (Champions League Quarter-Final First-Leg)

Published:

22:15

on

| Last Updated:

22:15

on

Manchester City put one foot through the door of the Champions League semi-finals as they produced a wonderful display in a 3-0 thrashing of Bayern Munich at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday evening,

Following a tight opening 25 minutes, which included an incredible block by Ruben Dias to deny Bayern Munich an opener, Rodri broke the deadlock.

The Spaniard picked up the ball around 25-yards out, span through Jamal Musiala, and unleashed a wizard-like left-footed effort into the top-left corner. A sensational way to score your first-ever UEFA Champions League goal.

With just 20 minutes to go, the Blues added a second. Jack Grealish caught French defender Dayot Upamencano in possession before slipping in Erling Haaland, who looked to shoot before crossing towards Bernardo Silva. Manchester City’s No.20 then lashed his header past Yan Sommer into the back of the net.

Moments later, Pep Guardiola’s team were in dreamland as they added a third, through Haaland to give them a 3-0 lead going to the Allianz Arena next Wednesday. The Norweigan converted from close-range from John Stones’ headed assist.

City were that impressive not only going forward but defensively too as they denied Bayern Munich from scoring for only the second time all season. Here’s how we rated City’s marvellous performance!

Player Ratings

Ederson – 8

A few great saves from Ederson this evening. The Brazilian’s distribution and sweeping proved great, once again.

John Stones – 8.5

Another different role for Stones tonight. Rotating from centre-back into holding midfield, but to the surprise of nobody he excelled – again. UEFA’s Player of the Match.

Ruben Dias – 9

Vintage Dias this evening. Two goal-denying blocks were his highlights with him once again proving more than his weight in gold. Superb.

Manuel Akanji – 8.5

Despite being constantly targeted down Manchester City’s right side, Akanji coped well and proved solid defensively. The Swiss defender was impressive on the ball too.

Nathan Ake – 8.5

Yet again, a splendid performance from Ake. The Dutchman just gets better each week and provides strong evidence at left-back as to why the City hierarchy were comfortable to left Joao Cancelo leave in the January window.

Rodri – 9

Scorer of City’s first goal, and his first-ever Champions League goal, Rodri was once again just unbelievable. The composure, defensive stability and ball retention City’s No.16 possess is simply unmatched in world football. Another impeccable display.

Ilkay Gundogan – 7.5

City’s tempo-setter, Gundogan put in another top-quality shift tonight. There weren’t any particular highlights but Gundo did his job, and more.

Kevin De Bruyne – 6.5

A quiet showing tonight from the Belgian. De Bruyne struggled to impose his typical magic onto the game, much to the credit of Joshua Kimmich in the Bayern midfield. He was subbed in favour of Julian Alvarez in the 67th minute.

Jack Grealish – 8

City’s most quiet attacker, in the front three, but still a great performance from Grealish. Since Qatar, he’s been undroppable, and tonight was no different.

Erling Haaland – 8.5

Mr Invitable. Quiet all first-half. A world-class assist for Manchester City’s second and obviously had to get in on the action when he bagged the side’s third and final goal. The man for the big occasion.

Bernardo Silva – 9 (MOTM)

Prior to the start of the game, many fans online snarled at the selection of Bernardo Silva instead of Riyad Mahrez but the Portugal international was terrific. A goal and an assist. A stunning display.

Substitutes

Julian Alvarez – 8

Despite coming on with little under 25 minutes left, Alvarez’s impact was incredibly noticeable as the Argentine buzzed around Munich’s backline and caused absolute chaos as the German’s fell-apart.

Related Topics:

Trending