Erling Haaland showcased his scoring ability with a goal and a penalty despite Manchester City’s defeat. Kylian Mbappé netted a crucial goal for Real Madrid, while Vinicius, Rodrygo, and Bellingham struggled to make an impact. Brahim Diaz emerged as an unexpected hero, equalizing late in the match. Ederson’s costly mistake raised questions about his position, and Guardiola’s City faced a crisis, needing to refocus on the Champions League amidst inconsistent performances.
Haaland’s Resurgence
Even in defeat, the standout performer of the evening was undoubtedly Erling Haaland. After a series of lackluster matches, the Norwegian striker finally broke his scoring drought against a familiar foe. Demonstrating his signature style, he needed just one touch to ignite the game, expertly converting a pass from Gvardiol to beat Courtois in the 19th minute. Although the crossbar thwarted him from doubling his tally shortly after halftime (46th), he remained undeterred. With confidence radiating, he confidently converted a penalty earned by Foden in the 80th minute. While City may have some regrets, they can take solace in having rediscovered their prolific goal-scorer.
Mbappé’s Golden Touch
Kylian Mbappé may not have been at his dazzling best, but he did what was necessary: he scored. The goal took longer to arrive than anticipated, with several opportunities presenting themselves in the first half. An impressive save from Ederson halted his progress (10th), and the French captain struggled with precision on two occasions (45+1 and 45+3). The second half saw him once again denied by another reflex save from the City goalkeeper (54th). Ultimately, it was a somewhat unconventional attempt that found the net. A deft chip from Ceballos and an acrobatic strike, albeit not his cleanest shot, left Ederson guessing. With this goal, he has now tallied 10 goals since the start of 2025, with only the exceptional Ousmane Dembélé surpassing him.
Uninspired Yet Impactful Quartet
Alongside Mbappé, Vinicius, Rodrygo, and Bellingham struggled to make a significant impact in this match. The four talented players, under Carlo Ancelotti’s guidance, appeared lethargic throughout the game. Rodrygo, the most effective of the quartet, managed some notable drives but was ironically the first to be substituted. Vinicius faced jeers from the crowd and struggled against Rico Lewis’s tight marking, making an effort to evade defenders but ultimately missing a crucial lob. Despite this, Bellingham showcased his quickness, capitalizing on a loose ball to secure the victory for his team in the dying moments (90+2).
Diaz: The Unexpected Hero
No one, least of all Brahim Diaz himself, would have predicted his impact. Coming off the bench after 86 tense minutes, the former Milan player seized his opportunity to shine. Replacing a fatigued Rodrygo, he capitalized on a poorly cleared ball from Ederson, scoring the equalizer for Madrid. Having trained at City, his goal silenced the Etihad Stadium, but Diaz showed class by opting not to celebrate.
FLOPS
Ederson: Strong Start, Costly Mistake
The goalkeeper situation at Manchester City has been turbulent for quite some time. After missing the last two matches, Ederson regained his starting position due to lackluster performances from Stefan Ortega. Initially, he appeared convincing, making crucial saves against Mbappé. However, a critical error—a misjudged clearance and an uncharacteristic save—contributed directly to Real’s equalizer in the 86th minute. This defeat may prompt a reevaluation of his position. Will he be chosen for the crucial return match at the Bernabeu this Wednesday? Only time will tell.
Guardiola and City in Crisis
When things go wrong, they seem to spiral out of control. Guardiola’s squad, initially showing promise, eventually faltered and fell back into old habits. Despite boasting an exceptionally deep roster, the team struggled with consistency, suffering from uncharacteristic mistakes. After narrowly qualifying against Bruges and enduring a heavy defeat to the Gunners (5-1), this latest setback against Madrid adds to their woes. Currently trailing the Premier League leaders by 14 points, the Sky Blues are left with the Champions League as their primary focus. While the confidence in Guardiola remains, his messages seem to have lost their impact. A premature exit from the Champions League could provide much-needed clarity. With Pep potentially facing his future on the line, the upcoming match at the Bernabeu will be pivotal. Carlo Ancelotti’s acknowledgment of Guardiola as the best in the world resonates, but the clock is ticking.