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Man City player ratings: Pep’s team scrape through to the UCL semi-finals after surviving Atletico Madrid

Manchester City played out a 0-0 draw at the home of Spanish Champions Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals second leg. However, the result was enough for Pep Guardiola’s men to advance through to the semis. City have now made it to the last four for the second consecutive season under Guardiola. But the English side had to survive Atletico’s comeback scares to progress through. Here are our player ratings for Man City from their 1-0 aggregate win.

City as usual attacked fiercely right from the start. John Stones was the first to come close when he headed in Kevin de Bruyne’s corner just over the cross-bar. De Bruyne then had a glorious glance at the Atletico goal from a volley, only for Reinildo to make a crucial block.

It was then Atletico’s chance to attack in the second half. Antoine Griezmann was set up brilliantly by Koke as Aymeric Laporte tracked down his fellow countryman to divert the ball for a corner. Joao Felix then repeated John Stone’s instance, sending his header over City’s cross-bar. Just when the things were settling down in the stoppage time, with City progressing, Felipe was sent-off after receiving his second yellow of the night. The Man City player ratings are as follows.

Man City player ratings: Goalkeeper and defence

Ederson- 8/10

City’s goalkeeper had a really busy night. Ederson was forced into 3 saves, out of which 2 came in the stoppage time of the second half. But Ederson was good enough on with the possession as well, acting as the sweeper whenever needed.

Kyle Walker- 7/10

A more of a defensive performance from Kyle Walker here. Moreover, the right-back won 100% of his duels, limiting the Atletico attack.

John Stones- 9/10

What a night for John Stones. The defender clocked a successful pass rate of 96%, further finishing with 100% tackle success. Add to it, an outstanding block to deny Atletico the equalizer with four minutes remaining. Easily tops our Man City player ratings.

Aymeric Laporte- 8/10

A game where City’s defenders had to step up and they just did it. Laporte complimented Stones perfectly, tracking the runs of Atletico attackers from time to time.

Joao Cancelo- 6/10

Cancelo like Walker concentrated on defensive duties. Moreover, with Phil Foden shifting onto the left-flank, Cancelo had little to offer up the field.

Midfield

Rodri- 7/10

A decent performance against his former team. Kept his cool under pressure, further providing accurate passes, and winning all his tackles and aerial duels.

Ilkay Gundogan- 4/10

Where City’s defence stepped up, midfield disappointed. Gundogan should have really scored in the first half, and then struggled to break the Atletico line in the second half which became stiff.

Kevin De Bruyne- 3/10

Eyebrow-raiser, but De Bruyne is the player with the lowest ratings among the Man City team. Atletico successfully marked out the Belgian to reduce his attacking threat, forcing him to keep quiet throughout the game.

Attack

Riyad Mahrez- 6/10

A bright spot among the Man City attackers. Some scintillating footwork completing a 100% dribble success rate. Moreover, Mahrez combined well with Kyle Walker in the attack as well.

Phil Foden- 4/10

Foden was going to struggle as a lone striker against a physically dominating Atletico Madrid. However, improved when shifted on the left flank.

Bernardo Silva- 4/10

Bernardo Silva found it pretty difficult on the left. Missed his regular flair, attempting only 31 passes, and completing a single dribble.

Substitutes

Raheem Sterling- 5/10

Came-on for De Bruyne in the 65th minute. Sterling’s substitution was to increase City’s aggression and pace. Not much was offered, however.

Nathan Ake- N/A

Came-on for Walker in the 74th minute. Ake was given the responsibility of holding the left-back position.

Fernandinho- N/A

Came-on for Bernardo Silva in the 79th minute.

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