Real Madrid and Manchester City tied 3-3 at the Bernabeu in the opening leg of their Champions League quarterfinal.

Bernardo Silva’s audacious free kick gave the defending champions the lead after less than two minutes, but Real responded immediately with Eduardo Camavinga’s shot deflecting in off Ruben Dias.

Carlo Ancelotti’s team went ahead 2-1 almost immediately through Rodrygo, but City equalized in the second half thanks to Phil Foden’s stunning strike.

Josko Gvardiol, an unusual source, then produced probably an even better goal, with Federico Valverde tying things up with a clean volley to ensure these clubs could not be separated heading into the second leg in Manchester next week.

Mail Sport’s JACK GAUGHAN was at the Bernabeu to assess the two sides… 

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Real Madrid and Man City couldn’t be separated after their clash at the Bernabeu ended 3-3

Real Madrid

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1)

Andriy Lunin – 5.5

An embarrassing moment for Bernardo Silva’s early opener. Recovered, and strong distribution followed.

Dani Carvajal – 6.

Could have been more targeted. Did not appear to be especially comfortable with Jack Grealish’s jogging.

Antonio Rudiger – 7.5

Erling Haaland had been measured. Enjoys the physicality of a big attacker, and City played to his strengths.

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Antonio Rudiger impressed and the ex-Chelsea defender had the measure of Erling Haaland

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Andriy Lunin was embarrassed for Bernardo Silva’s opening, but rebounded from the setback.

Aurelien Tchouameni – 6.5

A stupid tackle resulted in him being booked and suspended for the following week. A massive block on Grealish was striking.

Ferland Mendy – 7.5

Some critical interventions, particularly when outscoring Haaland at the back post. Got Real is also moving forward.

Toni Kroos – 6.5

Critical for breaking up play and gaining possession. A sturdy foundation for those ahead of him to counter with speed.

Eduardo Camavinga – 6.5

Fortunately, the equaliser took a significant deflection. Did a good job defensively and took risks with the ball.

Federico Valverde – 7.

The primary function was to extend City so that the ball switched. And a tremendous hit to force an equaliser.

Jude Bellingham – 6.5

I put in a lot of good defensive effort, especially when it came to turnovers.

Rodrygo – 7.5.

Cute finish to give Real the lead, and a thorn in Manuel Akanji’s side all night.

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Rodrygo shone on the night and was a thorn in Manuel Akanji’s side throughout the clash

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Jude Bellingham got through plenty of decent work in a defensive sense for Ancelotti’s side

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It was a special hit from Federico Valverde late on to rattle in an equaliser at the Bernabeu

Vinicius Junior – 7

A livewire and his speed put the fear into City. Clever pass for Rodrygo’s goal although did fade later on.

Subs

Luka Modric (for Rodrygo, 72) – 6

Brahim Diaz (for Kroos, 72) – 6

Joselu (for Vinicius Jnr, 86) – N/A

 

Manchester City

Manchester City (4-1-4-1)

Stefan Ortega – 6

Nothing the German could do about any of the goals. Decent with his feet in possibly dangerous areas.

Manuel Akanji – 6

Did well to initially hold Rodrygo up for the Brazilian’s but an argument he should have hung back in the build-up.

John Stones – 8

The one who really wanted to progress the ball. Such a clever ball for Phil Foden’s equaliser. Oozed class.

Ruben Dias – 5.5

An unsteady display. Never seemed completely sure of himself and it might’ve transmitted to others.

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John Stones oozed class and was the one who really wanted to progress the ball for Man City

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However, his defensive partner Ruben Dias battled and put on an unexpectedly wobbly display.

Josko Gvardiol – 7

A fantastic goal to put City up three, though some may believe he might have done more to stop Valverde.

 Rodri – 5

City’s back four required significantly more protection than Rodri provided. Sloppy on the ball before the break, too. 

 Bernardo Silva – 7.

Brilliant early free kick. I attempted to slow down the game on the right but was caught a few times. 

 Mateo Kovacic – 5

The first notion was always backwards. Didn’t appear to sit in for Rodri smartly either. 

 Phil Foden – 7.

He was quite quiet in a central role all night – until he slammed in the equaliser to highlight his importance.

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Phil Foden was very quiet all night until he smashed in an absolutely sensational equaliser

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Rodri, another City mainstay, had a bad day because he failed to provide adequate protection. 

 Jack Grealish – 7

Excellent run to win the Silva free kick. Wasn’t used effectively enough to isolate Carvajal. Looked lively. 

 Erling Haaland – 6

More involvement occurred when the referee accidently smacked him on the nose at halftime than throughout the first half. I improved greatly after the break.

Subs

Julian Alvarez (for Foden, 87): N/A.