Player Ratings: Manchester City Vs. Real Madrid, 2016 UEFA Champions League

Keylor Navas - 7

The Real Madrid keeper did not have much work to do at all tonight, except a tip over after a free kick shot from De Bruyne and a cross interception. Navas was basically a spectator with gloves tonight..

Dani Carvajal - 7.5

Carvajal was the best defender on the pitch tonight. The fullback did extremely well marking De Bruyne and dealing with Silva when he was on the field. The Real Madrid graduate made various crucial interceptions and showed real determination and skill when dealing with City's forwards. Offensively Carvajal was extremely active completed 3 take ons and from his 5 crosses, only one chance was created. Defensively, the Leganes native was a lot more influential, having made 4 interceptions, 3 clearances and 3 blocks. Towards, the last seconds of the game, the RB wisely sacrificed himself to get a yellow card after a foul on De Bruyne which could've ended up with a very dangerous opportunity for Manchester City.

Pepe - 7

The Portuguese was the best part of the CB duo tonight for Real Madrid. Although he had a couple reckless tackles including one on De Bruyne and another one on Aguero, Pepe was vital for Madrid tonight. The Portuguese had 2 interceptions, 7 clearances, and surprisingly only 2 fouls. Offensively, Pepe only had one highlight and that was his shot at point blank range in front of Hart's goal which the Manchester City keeper stopped with his stomach in what proved to be the last opportunity Real Madrid had tonight.

Sergio Ramos - 6.5

A first half performance to forget for Sergio Ramos. Once again, the Real Madrid captain was tremulous on the ball and rushed a lot of passes that could've gotten his team in real trouble. After a very bad first half performance, in which he looked extremely poor, the Real Madrid captain polished his defending boots and was a lot better in the second half. The former Sevilla man kept De Bruyne and Aguero in check and only earned himself one foul tonight. Offensively, he was a steady threat in the air for Real Madrid in set pieces including a heading effort from a corner which was directed straight at Hart's gloves.

Marcelo - 6.5

Mundane performance from the fullback tonight. Marcelo was very predictable offensively on that left wing. Constant drifting on to the left wing and crossing became very repetitive. Some unnecessary show-boating while having possession in his own half almost led to some City opportunities. Overall, not a highlightable performance from the Brazilian fullback.

Casemiro - 7.5

Great physical presence from the Brazilian in midfield, drawing fouls by shielding the ball from players like Aguero and Kompany. Although, he's physically strong enough to take pressure, he's very witty to look for contact and earn his team a foul to slow down the tempo of the game. Casemiro is the hardworking chopper of that midfield and his efforts will keep him in this starting eleven until the end of the season.

Toni Kroos - 7

Steady performance as always. The German played a couple of good passes but none of them were really too influential. He rushed a couple passes when trying to connect with the front three and wasn't really a remarkable point in that midfield tonight. Although, his passing accuracy stayed at 96%, apart from a single shot the German had which drifted far to the right of Hart's goal, nothing extraordinary from Kroos tonight but then again nothing extraordinary from the whole team.

Luka Modric - 8

The best player for Real Madrid tonight. Modric was the only bright light for Madrid in a dull grey field. The Croatian midfielder was once again the most efficient player in midfield. Modric played very dangerous balls into his attackers and even had a shot on goal which reminded some of the last time Luka Modric visited Manchester and that night in Old Trafford where Modric scored a screamer for Madrid, unfortunately it wasn't to be and his shot drifted wide of Hart's goal. His play was also very heavily affected by City's high pressing which left his attackers very blocked off.

Gareth Bale - 8

The Welshman was impressive tonight. Bale was relying on his individual skill to put Madrid ahead on the scoreboard. The former Tottenham man was a down right nightmare for Kompany and Otamendi. Bale had 5 shots, created 1 chance and completed a staggering 9 take ons.

Karim Benzema - 5

The player is clearly walking on eggshells and is in no way, shape, or form ready to start for Real Madrid at the moment. The Frenchman looked very dejected on the field. In min 41", he had an opening to shoot the ball but decided to pass it to Bale in the box who was already being marked by 3 defenders. The only clear shot he had tonight came after a pass from Pepe in the box and Karim's shot flew 20 feet over Hart's goal. Looking at the player that came in for him in Jese, says a lot about Real's squad depth and the need for them and look for another forward this summer

Lucas Vasquez - 8

Dynamic and sacrificial. Lucas offered his heart and soul once again. He quickly realized he had to split his efforts equally both in defense and attack, which is reflected clearly with his 2 clearances, 3 blocks and 3 fouls. He constantly helped Marcelo on the left wing with his defensive duties and also offered help to both Kroos and Modric in midfield. Offensively he was also very influential completing 3 take ons and was quite a handful for Bacary Sagna.

SUBSTITUTIONS: Jese for Benzema (Halftime), Isco for Kroos (Min. 90)

Jese: 7.5

The Castilla product offered Madrid more speed and dynamic play on the wings. Jese completed 3 take ons and had a great chance on target tonight with a header that struck the post. Throughout the second half Jese was an open option for his midfielders at all times.

Isco: N/A

The former Malaga man was not on the field long enough to have any sort of impact.

Final Thoughts: This was a very dull game in which neither team wanted to take too many risks. City are keeping their cards for a surprise with away goals at the Bernabeu and Real Madrid did not want too make the same mistakes they made in Wolfsburg where they went straight for the kill and got annihilated on the counter. This result leaves for a very exciting second game which we all hope will be a better showing, for the sake of football.