Man City player ratings vs Real Madrid: Bernardo Silva batters Los Blancos to book Champions League final spot

The Portuguese maestro toyed with the dethroned kings of Europe in an imperious 4-0 win to send the Premier League champions to Istanbul

Third time lucky? There was nothing lucky about this. In their third Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid, Manchester City dethroned the kings of European football, playing them off the park to book their place in the final. The final score of 4-0 was by no means flattering; if anything, it was a kind one.

The brilliant Bernardo Silva was City's executioner in the first half, smashing the ball past the excellent Thibaut Courtois after being played in by Kevin De Bruyne. He then guided the ball past Courtois with his header after the Belgian tipped an Ilkay Gundogan shot into the air.

City could have scored far more, and while Toni Kroos hit the crossbar with a hopeful effort, Madrid could offer very little down the other end. City, who were relentless from start to finish, simply wouldn't let them. Madrid improved somewhat after the break, but an own goal from Eder Militao sealed their fate.

Julian Alvarez then put the final nail in their coffin with a deft touch moments after coming on, giving an extra shiny finish to City's ticket to Istanbul.

GOAL rates Man City' players from an ecstatic Etihad Stadium...

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Goalkeeper & Defence
Ederson (6/10):
Coped well on the rare occasion Madrid pressed him. Did well to tip Alaba's spinning free-kick over the bar and made an incredible triple save late in the game.
Kyle Walker (8/10):
His battle with Vinicius was much less intense than last week, although on the one occasion the Brazilian got through, he was back in a flash to swipe the ball from his feet.
John Stones (6/10):
Won all the aerial duels he needed to, and although he made a couple of sloppy passes, all were in Madrid's half and came to no danger.
Ruben Dias (6/10):
Solid throughout but was rarely tested.
Manuel Akanji (7/10):
Did everything he needed to do in the unfamiliar role of inverted left-back. Forced Militao's own goal by heading the free-kick towards goal.

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Midfield
Kevin De Bruyne (7/10):
Sliced Madrid open to create the first goal. It was one of his few incisive moments, but he worked very hard in defence and led City's breaks in the second half.
Rodri (7/10):
Dominated Kroos in the middle, exhibiting his physical power and his calmness on the ball.
Ilkay Gundogan (6/10):
Had a relatively quiet night after scoring four goals in his last two Premier League appearances. Was robbed of a good shooting chance by Carvajal and misplaced a few passes.
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Attack
Bernardo Silva (10/10):
A virtuoso display. Produced an emphatic finish for his first goal and a clinical header for his second. But this was about far more than goals. He ran rings around Madrid, weaving magic at every turn.
Erling Haaland (5/10):
Was lively but had an off-night in front of goal. Courtois denied him on three occasions and he ends the tie without scoring once. But given what he has done this season, we can forgive him.
Jack Grealish (9/10):
Outstanding in attack and defence. Ran Carvajal ragged and played a key role in Bernardo's second goal.

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Subs & Manager
Riyad Mahrez (6/10):
Came on in the 79th minute when the tie was long over.
Phil Foden (N/A):
Only introduced for the last six minutes.
Julian Alvarez (N/A):
Despite coming on in the 89th minute, he put the icing on the cake with a deft finish from close range.
Pep Guardiola (8/10):
This time there was no over-thinking, no mad tactical plan. He played the same starting XI as in the first leg and let his players do the rest. He has done the hard work throughout the season.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Midfield

Attack

Subs & Manager