PLAYER RATINGS - MANCHESTER CITY 3-0 BAYERN MUNICH

Image courtesy of standard.co.uk

Manchester City have put one foot in the UEFA Champions League semi finals with a sensational 3-0 victory over 6 times Champions League winners Bayern Munich.

Spanish defensive midfielder Rodri put the Blues ahead just before the half hour mark with an exquisite curling left footed strike from the edge of the penalty area, beyond the reach of Swiss goalkeeper Yan Sommer. That was the 26 year old's first goal in the Champions League.

Bayern had numerous chances, mostly coming through former City player Leroy Sane, but goalkeeper Ederson made numerous good saves to keep the scoreline at 1-0, which was excellent to see, especially as a proportion of the fanbase believe City will never win the Champions League with Ederson in goal, due to his shot stopping ability being weaker than other goalkeepers.

City doubled their lead in the second half through a powerful back post header from Bernardo Silva, after a wonderful clipped cross from Erling Haaland, the Norwegian's 50th goal involvement of the season.

Haaland wasn't finished there, as he tapped home at the back post after a knock down from John Stones, scoring a remarkable 45th goal of the season in all competitions.

City's performance very much grew better as the game went on, but an early mazy dribble from Jack Grealish was a sign of things to come, as City's attacking threats proved too much for what was a poor Bayern defence on the night.

Guardiola opted to go for Manuel Akanji, rather than Kyle Walker, in the lineup tonight, which was bizarre, especially seeing as Akanji lined up at right back. But, after a tricky first 25 minutes, it proved to be the right decision, as Swiss international won the vast majority of his duels with Sane and Kingsley Coman.

City did however, miss numerous chances, with Haaland, Julian Alvarez, Rodri and Ruben Dias all coming close. As well as this, there looked to be a potential injury to Kevin de Bruyne, who was subbed off just before Bernardo's goal in the 70th minute, which may be a concern for City.

A 3 goal lead for City should be a comfortable enough, however, heading into the second leg at the Allianz, where any result other than a 3 goal loss would see the Blues straight through to the Champions League semi finals, the 3rd season in a row they'd reach that stage.

Here's how the player rank in what was arguably City's greatest UCL performance of all time:

Ederson - 8.5/10 - Looked completely at ease all night, and made a few excellent saves in key moments. Proved that he is the man to be in goal to provide City with the best chance of winning the competition.

Akanji - 7.5/10 - After a difficult first 25 minutes, where he looked fairly wobbly and uncomfortable when dealing with the pace and skill of Sane, Akanji turned out to have a good game, where he kept the Bayern attacker on his side fairly quiet, and even offered an attacking threat going forwards too.

Stones - 9/10 - What a performance from the man affectionately nicknamed Johnny Boulders! Dropping into midfield from centre back, the 28 year old looked dominant on the biggest of stages, and his defensive work was sublime as well, with a moment where he kept pace with Sane before barging him off the ball coming to mind. A thoroughly deserved Champions League player of the match award!

Dias - 9.5/10 - But this man gets my personal man of the match award! Dias was a monster at the back, winning header after header, making tackle after tackle and keeping the ball superbly well. He made numerous fantastic block as well, in a performance reminiscent of his against PSG at the Etihad in May 2021.

Ake - 8.5/10 - The way Ake has grown and developed as a Manchester City player has been nothing short of remarkable. Ake was once again as solid as can be; nothing got past him on his flank. He is now firmly one of the first names on the teamsheet, and rightfully so.

Rodri - 8.5/10 - Another controlling and calm performance form Rodri, particularly in the first half. He won every second ball, and was so composed on the ball. He capped it all off with a stunning goal, one which feels like t has been a long time coming.

De Bruyne - 7/10 - The Belgian didn't have his greatest performance today, but neither was he poor. Full of running, De Bruyne offered a lot of directness and creativity, creating a few chances for his teammates. Let's hope his injury wasn't too serious.

Gundogan - 8/10 - Another fine performance from City's skipper. Gundogan was excellent in possession, and offered a lot in breaking up the play and stopping Bayern counter attacks. On another day, he could have gotten an assist, had Alvarez's low strike not been saved by Sommer.

Bernardo - 9/10 - An all energy, dynamic performance from Bernardo Silva! He had Alphonso Davies on toast all evening, and capped things off with a beautiful back post header. You would never be able to guess he was a player who wanted out, with the passion, desire and skill he shows every time he plays.

Haaland - 8.5/10 - If Dias was a monster at the back, Haaland was certainly a monster up front! He provided a constant threat, and gave Dayot Upamceano and Matthijs de Ligt a headache all evening. Finished the evening with a trademark goal, and a wonderfully clever and unselfish assist.

Grealish - 8/10 - His run in the first minute was a sign of things to come, as Grealish looked secure in possession, and offered a threat in the transition with positive forwards running and good decision making. He was also extremely tenacious, and he must have attempted at least 5 slide tackles in trying to win the ball, which is another side of his game that has been greatly improved by Guardiola.

Substitutes:

Alvarez - 7.5/10 - Made an instant impact, with his energy and directness, coming very close to scoring twice. He also put a brilliant cross in for Haaland's goal, proving himself to be the perfect De Bruyne replacement if his injury were to rule him out or the Leicester game or the second leg next Wednesday.