The Norwegian's injury weighed heavily as the 2023 winners looked a shadow of their former selves and exited the competition with a whimper
Today's empires, tomorrow's ashes. Manchester City's faint Champions League hopes crumbled in the home of the true kings of Europe as they were mauled 3-1 by Real Madrid on Wednesday and were sent tumbling out of the competition 6-3 on aggregate. The relentless Kylian Mbappe was City's tormentor-in-chief and managed to embarrass the entire defence on his way to his hat-trick.
Ruben Dias failed to cut out Raul Asencio's pass to the Frenchman for the opening goal, while John Stones was also powerless to stop him and was then forced off injured. Mbappe made a fool of the hapless Abdukodir Khusanov and utterly humiliated Josko Gvardiol to bag his second goal, and by the time it came to his third, City had ceased trying to stop him.
It was not just the defence, though. City looked utterly clueless in attack, badly missing the injured Erling Haaland. They finally scored in added time when Nico Gonzalez nudged home on the rebound following Omar Marmoush's crossbar-bothering free-kick, but there was nothing to celebrate. This was a night for mourning for everyone involved with City.
GOAL rates City's players from Santiago Bernabeu…
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Ederson (6/10):
One of the better performers despite conceding three times. Made a brave save on Mbappe and turned away a dangerous curler from Vinicius.
Abdukodir Khusanov (3/10):
It was a daunting place to make his Champions League debut, especially in an unfamiliar position, and he was tortured from start to finish. When Vinicius wasn't skinning him alive down the flank, Mbappe was coasting past him. His passing was also sloppy.
Ruben Dias (4/10):
Too slow to track Mbappe or snuff out Asencio's pass for the opener. Tried to compensate with some important blocks, but the damage had already been done. Lead in his boots and caught out by Mbappe.
John Stones (N/A):
Powerless to stop Mbappe and his legs gave way moments later, ending his night in the eighth minute.
Josko Gvardiol (4/10):
Made a vital header to prevent Mbappe getting to the ball, but the Frenchman had his revenge for the second goal, as the Croatian resembled Jerome Boateng against Lionel Messi from 10 years ago as he was sent skidding along the floor by the Madrid superstar.
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Nico Gonzalez (5/10):
Was in no hurry to chase back for the second goal. Couldn't get hold of the ball enough and Guardiola describing him as a 'Mini Rodri' backfired terribly. He did score, but the goal will barely register.
Ilkay Gundogan (5/10):
His unsuitability for a game like this at this stage of his career was summed up when he misplaced a pass and helplessly tried to run after Rodrygo, clumsily fouling him instead an earning a booking.
Bernardo Silva (5/10):
Too slow to make a difference defensively and had few ideas in attack.
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Savinho (4/10):
Barely got involved in the game.
Omar Marmoush (4/10):
Was hit hard by Haaland's absence and looked lost leading the line. He did at least show his ability from free-kicks by sparking the consolation goal with his shot off the bar.
Phil Foden (5/10):
Created a few flashes of danger but did not work hard enough, especially when he eased off Mbappe and let him fire at will for goal number three.
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Nathan Ake (5/10):
Not the worst culprit in defence, but couldn't do much to stop Mbappe and Co.
Mateo Kovacic (5/10):
Got on the ball a bit in a bid to limit the damage and had a shot blocked.
James McAtee (5/10):
Gave City a bit more energy and enthusiasm in the final few minutes.
Pep Guardiola (4/10):
Had bad luck with the injuries to Haaland and Stones, but the way his side surrendered so meekly does not reflect well on him.
