Vinicius 8, Camavinga 8 | Manchester City 2-3 Real Madrid: Player ratings | OneFootball

Real Madrid and Manchester City locked horns in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff game last night at the Etihad Stadium, but the match itself was nowhere close to as elite as it has been in recent years.

With Pep Guardiola’s side looking defensively fragile as glass and Real Madrid’s reeling with defensive injuries, the game shockingly lacked quality or effectiveness despite the big names on the field but saw both sides largely on a level playing ground.

Erling Haaland gave the hosts the lead in the first half and Manchester City defended their advantage until the half-time whistle.

However, Mbappe earned an equaliser at the hour mark and Real Madrid were much improved after the break.

A clumsy challenge from Ceballos and the resultant penalty handed Manchester City the lead once more and put the hosts ahead. A late goal from Bellingham, however, gave Real Madrid the lead and the win.

Madrid Universal brings you the player ratings from Manchester City 2-3 Real Madrid.

Thibaut Courtois: 7

The Belgian star had a relatively busy night as expected and came up with some big saves including the one against Phil Foden in the opening half. Not much he could do about the goal conceded or the penalty.

Ferland Mendy: 6

A poor and unconvincing display from Mendy despite being the only bonafide starting-quality defender in Carlo Ancelotti’s lineup.

The Frenchman managed just 15 passes until half-time, never got involved in the attack and was not convincing in his defensive duties. Was slightly better after the break.

Raul Asencio: 7

Raul Asencio was a leader at the back for Real Madrid. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

The youngster showed tremendous personality going up against some of the best attackers in the business and did not shy away from taking them head-on.

Considering the team’s defensive situation, Asencio put in a good shift and even racked up one last-man tackle.

However, he does stand to partially be blamed for the goal conceded by Los Blancos.

Aurelien Tchouameni: 6.5

A decent showing from the makeshift centre-back, especially after the break as he improved his partnership with Asencio and looked reasonably comfortable in the central defence.

Completed close to 95% of his passes and was defensively alert.

Federico Valverde: 7.5

Valverde was decent playing out of position and looked comfortable both in defence and in progressing the ball forward in possession.

While indeed his skillset would be better utilised in another department, he did the best he could as a stand-in defender.

Eduardo Camavinga: 8

Starting his first game coming back from injury, Camavinga was asked to operate as a pivot and put in a good show in midfield.

The Frenchman was largely effective with not only his distribution and progressive carries but also his defensive contributions on the night and only got more proactive after the break.

Dani Ceballos: 7

Ceballos’ presence on the field against Manchester City was crucial as the Spaniard added control to the midfield on a night when Los Blancos were unnecessarily giving the hosts too much respect.

Ceballos was one of the few players looking to effectively press from the middle and control the tempo of the game on the ball.

Earned the assist for Mbappe’s equaliser but gave away a cheap penalty late in the game.

Jude Bellingham: 8

Bellingham had a very silent first half after Real Madrid’s initial flashes of brilliance and was largely silent as the hosts took control of the midfield.

He was reliable in distribution and attacking transitions but the game was calling out for him to be more proactive off the ball and aid in pressuring the fragile Manchester City.

Missed a massive chance to make it 2-1 in the 65th minute as he was virtually 1v1 with Ederson. Eventually scored the winner with a simple finish.

Rodrygo: 7

Rodrygo started against his favourite European opponent and once again looked to create a threat between the lines with his movements.

However, he did not get the ball half as much as he would have liked in the opening period.

Vinicius Jr: 8

Vinicius earned the assist for the match-winning goal. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

The Brazilian was perhaps one of the brighter sparks in Real Madrid’s first-half display, albeit not in terms of a complete display.

Vinicius was under serious pressure at the Etihad Stadium with the fans specifically targeting him with banners and slogans but the player managed three key passes and two dribbles in 45 minutes.

In the same time period, however, he missed a sitter and won a penalty but had it cancelled for offside. Earned the assist for the winner with a great run.

Kylian Mbappe: 7

Mbappe scored a huge equaliser for Real Madrid. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Mbappe was involved heavily in attack against City and did not shy away from taking shots on goal from all positions.

However, his shots were anything but clinical and he wasted all the chances created in the opening period.

Netted the equaliser eventually with a sloppy finish past Ederson just past the hour mark.

Brahim Diaz: 7.5

Came on as a late substitute and pounced on a half-chance to score the equaliser.