Manchester City’s 2024/25 Champions League campaign faced another heart-wrenching setback on February 19, 2025, as they suffered a brutal 3-1 loss to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, thereby bowing out of the competition with an aggregate score of 6-3. The match was a nightmare for Pep Guardiola’s side, with key players failing to show up on the night, leaving their manager with plenty of tough decisions moving forward. The defeat was a continuation of a frustrating trend for City in Europe, where they had once again failed to overcome a top-tier opponent when it mattered most.
This elimination came at a time when City had high hopes of making a deep run in the Champions League, especially after their domestic dominance in the Premier League. However, a combination of poor individual performances, tactical missteps, and key injuries put them on the back foot from the start. Guardiola was left to reflect on a night that encapsulated many of City’s flaws, including defensive vulnerabilities, lack of creativity in the final third, and overall mental fragility when facing high-level competition. Real Madrid, on the other hand, delivered a clinical performance, spearheaded by the brilliance of Kylian Mbappe, who tore City’s defense apart with a hat-trick that left little room for debate.
Before the game, Manchester City were already at a disadvantage, having lost the first leg 3-2 at home. Despite putting up a strong performance at the Etihad Stadium, City collapsed in the final five minutes, allowing Madrid to steal a crucial away goal. Heading into the second leg in Madrid, City knew that they would have to score at least two goals to progress. However, the absence of Erling Haaland, the team’s primary goal-scoring threat, left City’s attack looking much less potent than usual.
Real Madrid, led by Carlo Ancelotti, had their own problems to manage, but with the experienced squad they had at their disposal, including the ever-dangerous Mbappe, they entered the game with a sense of confidence. The atmosphere at the Bernabeu is always intense, and Madrid thrives under such conditions. City, by contrast, have often struggled to handle the immense pressure that comes with playing away in such an unforgiving environment.
The game started poorly for Manchester City, as they conceded within the first four minutes. Kylian Mbappe, who had been a constant threat in the first leg, was allowed far too much space to latch onto a through ball. City goalkeeper Ederson was caught too far off his line as Mbappe capitalized on a poor defensive set-up, giving Madrid a 1-0 lead and putting City’s hopes of a comeback in serious doubt.
From that moment onward, City looked rattled. Real Madrid pressed high and quickly, exposing City’s shaky defense, particularly Abdukodir Khusanov, who was making just his second Champions League appearance. The 20-year-old Uzbekistani defender had an awful night at the Bernabeu, struggling to cope with the pace and skill of Madrid’s attacking trio, which included Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., and Rodrygo. His performance, while disappointing, should not be used to write him off entirely, but it was clear that he was overmatched in such a high-stakes encounter.
The struggles of City’s defense were compounded when John Stones, a key player for the team, was forced off with an injury just eight minutes into the match. Stones, who has a history of injury problems, has been a crucial figure in City’s backline over the years. His absence left City without their most experienced center-back, and it exposed further weaknesses in their defensive unit. Ruben Dias, who has been a stalwart for City since his arrival in 2020, also had a poor game. The Portuguese international was caught out of position several times and failed to deal with the simple balls over the top from Madrid’s midfield
While City’s defensive frailties were evident, Real Madrid’s attacking play was nothing short of exceptional. Kylian Mbappe, in particular, delivered a performance that left City’s defenders looking helpless. He scored his second goal in the 33rd minute, showcasing his incredible skill and acceleration. In one-on-one situations, Mbappe was unplayable, and City’s defenders were left scrambling to catch him. The second goal was a masterclass in finishing, as he cut inside Josko Gvardiol, leaving the Croatian center-back flat-footed, before dispatching the ball into the far corner of the net.
For all of City’s struggles, Mbappe seemed to be everywhere, terrorizing City’s backline at every turn. His third goal, scored just after the hour mark, further emphasized the gulf in class between the two sides. Receiving a ball from Vinicius Jr., Mbappe controlled the ball perfectly and fired a left-footed strike into the bottom corner of the net. At 3-0, the tie was effectively over. City, despite all their best efforts, had no answers to Mbappe’s brilliance
By the time the second half began, City were completely deflated. Guardiola made a series of changes, trying to shake things up. Mateo Kovacic, who had been brought in to provide more control in midfield, failed to make much of an impact. His passing was sloppy at times, and he couldn’t assert himself in the game. James McAtee, who came on as a substitute, had a late shout for a penalty after a challenge from Madrid’s defense but did little to alter the course of the match otherwise.
Phil Foden, who had been one of City’s brightest stars in previous seasons, was another player who failed to make an impact. The 24-year-old England international has struggled with consistency this season, and this performance was one of his most disappointing. Foden, who is supposed to be in the prime of his career, seemed unable to find space or create chances, and his inability to influence the game left many questioning whether he is truly ready for the expectations placed on him at City.
Bernardo Silva, another player who has been crucial for City in recent years, also had a quiet game. While Silva worked hard throughout the match, he couldn’t offer the spark that was needed to break down Madrid’s defense. His creativity, once his standout trait, was missing on the night, and City’s lack of creativity was evident across the board. The midfield, in particular, was ineffective in linking up with the attack, and they were often overrun by Madrid’s superior pressing game.
Late in the game, with the match already well out of reach, Manchester City did manage to pull one goal back. Nico Gonzalez, who had been largely anonymous up until that point, scored a goal in injury time. While the goal was a positive moment for City, it did little to alter the outcome of the match. The 3-1 loss was a bitter pill to swallow for Guardiola and his players, as it confirmed their exit from the competition.
City’s performance after 60 minutes was particularly concerning. It appeared that many of the players had mentally checked out of the game. With the tie all but decided, the intensity dropped, and City failed to put any real pressure on Madrid. This lack of fight was perhaps the most worrying aspect of the performance. For a team with so many world-class players, the fact that they could be so passive in such an important match raised serious questions about their mentality and composure in high-pressure situations.
Ederson – 6: The goalkeeper’s performance was solid in parts, but he was caught out of position for the opening goal and couldn’t do much to stop Mbappe’s brilliance. While he made some decent saves in the second half, it was a disappointing night for the Brazilian.
Abdukodir Khusanov – 4: A night to forget for the young defender. Overwhelmed by the speed and skill of Real Madrid’s attackers, Khusanov struggled to cope with the intensity of the game. However, he is still very young, and there are brighter days ahead for him.
John Stones – 6: Stones was forced off early through injury, and City’s defense suffered as a result. His absence left a huge hole, and his injury problems continue to be a concern for City.
Ruben Dias – 4: Dias had a dreadful night. Caught out of position for Mbappe’s opener and beaten time and time again, he lacked the sharpness and composure that City have come to expect from him.
Josko Gvardiol – 6: The Croatian didn’t have the worst game, but he was completely embarrassed by Mbappe for Madrid’s second goal. His performance highlighted the gulf in class between City’s defense and Madrid’s attacking quality.
Ilkay Gundogan – 4: The German midfielder was off the pace, struggling to cope with Madrid’s pressing game. His lack of pace was exposed, and he was booked for a rash challenge in the first half. Gundogan’s influence on the game was minimal, and his future at City remains uncertain.
Nico Gonzalez – 5: The new signing had an anonymous game. While he did score a late consolation goal, he failed to impose himself on the match and was a far cry from the level of Rodri, whom he was brought in to replace.
Bernardo Silva – 5: Despite working hard, Silva couldn’t find his usual spark. His creativity was lacking, and he was ineffective in creating opportunities for City’s attack.
Phil Foden – 4: Another poor performance from Foden. He struggled to make an impact and was unable to provide any real creativity or threat in the final third.
Savinho – 5: The Brazilian showed moments of promise, but his performance was underwhelming overall. Pep’s decision to play him centrally didn’t help, and he was much more effective when he was moved to the wing in the second half.
Omar Marmoush – 6: Marmoush had little service and worked hard in a difficult situation. He had to toil on his own up front, but he wasn’t given the support he needed to succeed.
In the aftermath of the defeat, Guardiola faces tough questions about the future of some of his players. Gundogan, Stones, and Dias are all key figures for City, but their performances in Madrid raised doubts about their ability to perform at the highest level. Gundogan, in particular, seems to be a shadow of the player who helped City to a historic treble last season, and it may be time for Guardiola to make tough calls about his future at the club.
Stones’ injury record continues to be a significant concern, and his absence in key moments has cost City dearly. The center-back position, once a stronghold for the team, now seems to be an area of vulnerability.
Ruben Dias, once regarded as one of the best defenders in the world, has shown signs of regression this season. His confidence appears shaken, and his performances have been far from his best. Guardiola will need to decide whether Dias can rediscover his top form or whether City needs to explore other defensive options.
Manchester City’s Champions League dreams were dashed once again by Real Madrid, and Guardiola will have a lot of soul-searching to do after this humiliating defeat. While the defeat was hard to digest, it also highlighted areas that need urgent attention, particularly in defense and attack. As for Real Madrid, they continue to show their pedigree on the biggest stage, and with players like Mbappe leading the charge, they remain one of the favorites to lift the trophy this season.
For City, the focus now turns to their domestic ambitions, but this defeat will undoubtedly linger in the minds of both players and fans alike. The quest for European glory remains elusive, and Pep Guardiola must address the shortcomings exposed in this crushing loss if City are to finally conquer Europe in the future.
