Vinicius and Asensio Shine with Perfect 9s: Grading Real Madrid’s Heroes in Their Thrilling Comeback Against Man City

Real Madrid produced yet another unforgettable Champions League moment, securing a dramatic 3-2 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. The reigning European champions, who have made a habit of performing miracles on the grandest stage, found themselves trailing twice before staging a spectacular late comeback. With Vinicius Jr. and Marco Asensio leading the charge, Los Blancos demonstrated why they remain the most feared team in Europe.

A Hard-Fought Battle in Manchester

The Etihad crowd was electric from the first whistle, urging Pep Guardiola’s men forward as City looked to impose their dominance. The hosts started brightly, taking the lead through a well-worked move that saw Phil Foden fire past Thibaut Courtois in the 17th minute. Real Madrid, however, responded swiftly, with Jude Bellingham showing his class to slot home the equalizer after a brilliant link-up play with Rodrygo.

Despite Madrid’s response, City kept pushing and were rewarded early in the second half when Kevin De Bruyne’s pinpoint pass set up Erling Haaland, who coolly restored the home side’s advantage. But just when City thought they had control, Real Madrid unleashed their signature resilience.

Vinicius Jr. – The Game Changer

If there’s one player who thrives in moments of high tension, it’s Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian was sensational, playing with a mixture of confidence, flair, and composure that left City’s defenders chasing shadows. In the 83rd minute, he danced past Kyle Walker before delivering a precise cross that Marco Asensio turned into the net with a perfectly timed header, leveling the game at 2-2.

Then, with the clock ticking down, Vinicius once again found space down the left. Instead of going for glory, he unselfishly laid the ball off to Eduardo Camavinga, whose strike from the edge of the box took a slight deflection before nestling into the bottom corner. The Madrid bench erupted in celebration as they completed yet another incredible turnaround.

Marco Asensio – Madrid’s Unsung Hero

Though Vinicius stole the show, Marco Asensio deserves just as much credit. The Spanish forward was a constant threat, making intelligent runs and linking up well with Bellingham and Rodrygo. His movement for the equalizer was impeccable, finding the perfect gap between City’s defenders to nod home Vinicius’ cross.

Not only did Asensio score the vital second goal, but he also put in a shift defensively, tracking back to help Dani Carvajal contain Jack Grealish. His performance was a reminder of the depth and quality Madrid possess, even when key players are not at their absolute best.

Camavinga’s Midfield Masterclass

Eduardo Camavinga may have had a quiet first half, but his influence grew as the game progressed. The Frenchman displayed remarkable composure under pressure, completing 97% of his passes while also winning multiple duels in midfield. His late winner may have taken a fortunate deflection, but it was nothing less than he deserved after his tireless work throughout the game.

Camavinga’s ability to transition from defense to attack with ease makes him an invaluable asset for Carlo Ancelotti. With Luka Modric and Toni Kroos nearing the twilight of their careers, Camavinga is proving he is ready to take over as Madrid’s next midfield general.

Defensive Resilience from Asencio and Courtois

While much of the focus was on Madrid’s attacking brilliance, their defense also played a crucial role. Raul Asencio, in only his fifth Champions League appearance, delivered a masterclass in defensive awareness. He made several last-ditch tackles, nullifying the threat of Haaland for large portions of the match.

Thibaut Courtois, too, played his part. The Belgian goalkeeper made a couple of key saves, including a crucial stop to deny Bernardo Silva in the dying moments. His ability to remain calm under pressure has been instrumental in Madrid’s European success over the years.

Jude Bellingham’s Impact

Bellingham continues to prove why Real Madrid spent big to bring him to the Bernabéu. His goal was a testament to his ability to arrive in the box at the perfect moment, and his overall performance showcased his intelligence and maturity beyond his years. Whether driving forward with the ball or making defensive contributions, Bellingham was everywhere on the pitch.

Man City’s Missed Opportunities

For all of Real Madrid’s brilliance, City will look back on this game as a missed opportunity. Guardiola’s men controlled large spells of possession but were wasteful in front of goal. Haaland, usually so clinical, failed to convert a couple of half-chances that could have put the game to bed.

Defensively, City struggled to cope with Madrid’s pace on the counterattack. Walker and Rúben Dias found themselves overwhelmed, particularly in the closing stages when Vinicius turned on the style.

Ancelotti’s Tactical Brilliance

Once again, Carlo Ancelotti proved why he is one of the greatest managers in Champions League history. His decision to introduce fresh legs late in the game, particularly Brahim Díaz and Fran García, helped Madrid maintain their energy levels.

Ancelotti’s ability to instill belief in his players, even when trailing, remains one of his greatest strengths. Real Madrid never looked like a team that doubted their ability to turn the game around, and that mentality stems from their coach.

A Statement Victory

This win sends a strong message to the rest of Europe—Real Madrid are still the kings of the Champions League. They may not always dominate possession, but their ability to punish teams in key moments is unmatched. With players like Vinicius, Bellingham, and Camavinga stepping up, Madrid look poised for another deep run in the competition.

Player Ratings:

• Vinicius Jr. – 9: Two assists and a sensational display of skill and composure.
• Marco Asensio – 9: A crucial equalizer and an all-around brilliant performance.
• Eduardo Camavinga – 8: A slow start, but his late winner sealed the victory.
• Jude Bellingham – 8: Scored Madrid’s first goal and was heavily involved throughout.
• Thibaut Courtois – 7: Made vital saves to keep Madrid in the game.
• Raul Asencio – 9: A rock at the back with several crucial tackles.
• Fede Valverde – 8: Full of energy and dynamism in midfield.
• Aurélien Tchouaméni – 7: Solid but not spectacular.
• Ferland Mendy – 6.5: Struggled at times but did enough defensively.
• Dani Ceballos – 7.5: A lively cameo off the bench.
• Rodrygo – 7: Worked hard but didn’t have his best game.
• Kylian Mbappe – 8: Showed glimpses of brilliance but lacked a finishing touch.
• Brahim Díaz – 8: Brought fresh energy late on.
• Fran García & Luka Modric – n/a: Not enough time to make an impact.

What’s Next?

With this victory, Real Madrid take a huge step towards securing another Champions League semifinal spot. Up next, they return to La Liga action before preparing for the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu. If history has taught us anything, it’s that Madrid thrive under pressure—expect more drama in the return fixture.

Once again, the kings of Europe have spoken.