Federico Valverde had scored three Champions League goals in 75 appearances before Wednesday night. He scored three more in the first half at the Bernabeu. That about sums up the evening.
The Uruguayan, stationed on the right wing, was the difference between the two sides in virtually every department that mattered. He created two chances — joint-top alongside Vinícius Júnior for Madrid — attempted seven dribbles, completed four, contested 17 duels, and won 11. His 71 touches were the fifth highest on the pitch. All three of his shots went in.
Behind him, Antonio Rüdiger was quietly excellent. His 90.2% pass completion was ninth best across both squads, and his long-ball accuracy of 66.7% was second only to Nico O’Reilly. He contributed four ball recoveries and looked unbothered by a City attack that, for all their 60% possession, managed just 0.56 xG across 90 minutes. Alexander-Arnold was equally influential in Madrid’s midfield, finishing with 11 progressive passes — second only to Rodri’s remarkable 21 — and an xT gain of 0.722, fourth across both teams. He contributed a key pass and won four ball recoveries, a consistent outlet in a side that made their 2.59 xG count ruthlessly.
For City, Rodri dominated possession as few players could. His 113 touches led everyone on the pitch, and his 21 progressive passes were nearly double the next best. He also made 13 progressive carries alongside Khusanov, who himself completed 94.8% of his passes and racked up 105 touches. The volume of involvement from both men only underlines how little it ultimately mattered.
Jérémy Doku led both teams for touches in the final third with 48 and attempted seven take-ons, more than anyone else on the night. Bernardo Silva topped the xT gain charts with 1.212 and contributed two key passes. The creativity was there for City. The cutting edge was not, and a three-goal deficit is what they take back to the Etihad.
