A wild match at Santiago Bernabeu was avoided by Los Blancos thanks to a fantastic goal by the Uruguayan.

Real Madrid and Manchester City’s wild match in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal was topped off by Federico Valverde’s incredible volley to secure a 3-3 draw. With his spectacular shot, the Uruguayan put an incredible evening of highlight-reel goals, fortunate deflections, and fierce challenges to bed. The result was a tense tie that both teams will likely have to settle with.

Andriy Lunin was caught off guard by Bernardo Silva’s fast free kick at his near post, setting up a nightmare start for Los Blancos. But shortly after, Eduardo Camavinga’s deflected strike caught Stefan Ortega off guard in the City net, giving the hosts a point. Two minutes later, Rodrygo gave Madrid the lead by darting in behind the defence and slotting the ball in.

After the break, Madrid had a few more opportunities to score, but in the first fifteen minutes of the second half, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. both missed opportunities. And to tie the score at 2-2, England midfielder Phil Foden punished them with a beautifully curled shot that kissed the top corner. Josko Gvardiol scored a stunning own goal to make it 3-2. The left-back hammered the ball home from 20 yards to give the visitors the lead once more. However, Valverde quickly equalized, hitting the ball into the lower corner.

GOAL ranks the Santiago Bernabeu-based players of Real Madrid…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Andriy Lunin (6/10):

Really ought to have blocked Bernardo’s opening goal, even though he may have a few complaints about Madrid’s inability to erect a suitable wall. unable to take action against the other two, and neatly stopped to deny Haaland.

Dani Carvajal (6/10):

Despite being mistreated by the boisterous Germans, he remained collected throughout crucial moments.

Aurelien Tchouameni (5/10):

Within 38 seconds, received a booking that eliminated him from the second leg. Gvardiol ought to have been stopped on City’s third.

Antonio Rudiger (8/10):

The murderer of Haaland? kept the large striker quiet the entire game and wasn’t able to do much more, even though his team conceded three goals.

Ferland Mendy (8/10):

Successfully marshaled the left side of the pitch. won many crucial duels in the last moments of the first half. His best performance to date.

Midfield

Eduardo Camavinga (7/10):

Grabbed the equaliser with a slightly fortunate deflected strike. Spent the rest of the game putting out fires in midfield and keeping things moving.

Federico Valverde (8/10):

Full of energy all night, and ate up ground. Scored an absolute peach of a goal to level it.

Toni Kroos (6/10):

Wasn’t as on the ball as usual, but when he was, he was incredibly effective. His impact diminished as the game progressed.

Jude Bellingham (7/10):

Frequently won the ball, flew into tackles, and displayed the tenacity Madrid needed. Fortunately, he avoided being booked and, as a result, was spared a suspension for the second leg.

Attack

Rodrygo (8/10):

May have gotten a kind glance on his goal, but he did all the hard work to make it happen. Tormented the City defence all night.

Vinicius Jr (8/10):

Provided another assist for Valverde’s equalizer and played a brilliant pass to set up Rodrygo’s goal. Even though he could have produced something cleaner with more effort, his output is still quite good.

Subs & Manager

Luka Modric (7/10):

Brought Madrid back into the game with some beautiful ball handling.

Brahim Diaz (6/10):

Won it back a couple times and didn’t appear to be scared by the game’s fast tempo.

Joselu (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):

Made the gallant decision to start Tchouameni in defense while fielding a lineup that was nearly full strength. Though he may occasionally lament Madrid’s lack of quality in front of goal, they were excellent at times. Although his team may have scored more, a draw is still a very respectable outcome. All is still up for grabs.