That's why you play Rodri in a Champions League final!
Man City player ratings vs Inter: That's why you don't drop Rodri for a Champions League final!
The midfielder recovered from a nervy first-half display to score the most important goal in the club's history in Istanbul
Rodri was having a shocker of a game, but he showed his elite mentality by popping up and winning Manchester City the Champions League. After monstering their rivals in the Premier League, FA Cup and every other round of European competition this season, City finally met their match in an intelligent and disciplined Inter. It was, in fact, one of the worst performances of 2023 by Pep Guardiola's side.
But in a scrappy game they needed a scrappy goal, and Rodri provided it, pouncing inside the area on a loose ball and firing it low into the net, ending City's long wait for Champions League glory and completing the treble.
And it must have been all the more sweeter for Rodri, as he was left out of the starting line-up in the final defeat to Chelsea two years ago.
Goalkeeper & Defence
Ederson (8/10):
After a shaky start to the match, he showed his class as a shot-stopper. He turned into a human wall to thwart Martinez when the game was 0-0 and he made an awesome reflex save to deny Lukaku and then Brozovic at the death to protect City's lead.
Manuel Akanji (5/10):
He appeared nervous for once and misplaced a few passes in key areas, leading to Martinez to bear down on goal for a chance early in the second half.
Ruben Dias (7/10):
Made one mistake when he lost the ball to Brozovic but mostly defended with his usual steel and strength.
Nathan Ake (6/10):
Dealt well with Dzeko and then Lukaku, never over-committing himself.
Midfield
John Stones (7/10):
Sensational in midfield and upstaging Rodri for much of the game. Got a standing ovation from fans when he left the pitch, battle-hardened.
Rodri (7/10):
Had a difficult first half but got better in the second and popped up in the right place at the right time to win the match.
Ilkay Gundogan (6/10):
Couldn't weave any magic but did lots of good off-the-ball work.
Kevin De Bruyne (4/10):
Misplaced a few passes and then hurt his hamstring. He fought on but it was no use and he had to come off in the 36th minute. Rotten luck for a player who was also forced off prematurely in the 2021 final.
Attack
Bernardo Silva (8/10)
Went on some wonderful dribbles and did the dirty work in defence, making a number of important tactical fouls.
Erling Haaland (6/10):
Had a quiet night and struggled to get past Alessandro Bastoni. Sent his only shooting chance straight at Andre Onana.
Jack Grealish (6/10):
Didn't really get in the game.
Subs & Manager
Phil Foden (7/10):
Was the ideal replacement for De Bruyne, giving City an extra sharpness in attack. Could have killed the game off when he failed to beat Onana after a searing run through the defence.
Kyle Walker (6/10):
When he came on the game was stretched and he struggled to contain Inter's attacks with his usual composure.
Pep Guardiola (6/10):
Strangely, City won the trophy they craved the most with one of their worst performances of the year. Made the right call by bringing on Foden for De Bruyne.