Kevin De Bruyne was one of the best players on the pitch in Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Real Madrid, but he wasn’t the only midfielder to shine at the Santiago Bernabeu. Ilkay Gundogan also impressed for the Sky Blues and came away with praise from supporters for his performance.
The 29-year-old had more touches than any Real player, created numerous chances for his teammates, made more passes than any Real player and boasted the best pass completion ratio than any player on the pitch. He also turned over possession twice and drew more fouls than anyone else on the night.
Gundogan is pulling the strings here. So underrated.#mcfc
— MCFC World (@MCFCworld) February 26, 2020
The Gundogan haters can go back in their cave now. The guy was superb tonight, fantastic performance. #gundogan #mcfc
— Scott Page (@Azuremooncity) February 26, 2020
Gundogan is so good on champions league nights should be first choice #MCFC
— BLUE OASIS (@silvaoak12) February 26, 2020
1st Half Recap: Jesus, Gundy and Walker been immense with what they've had to do. Feel like if you're gonna play like this tho, you rather put sterling on or play both Jesus and Aguero. Typical of Laporte getting injured as well 😐 #RMAMCI #MCFC #RMUCL #UCL #UEFAChampionsLeague
— BRG_X_Khaldoon (@BRG_21LVA) February 26, 2020
Firstly, hats off to Pep: a formation that nobody guessed, but that worked supremely well. Secondly, excellent game management after going behind, including outstanding performances from Jesus, Gundogan, Walker & Our Kev #RMAMCI #mcfc
— Paul Lake (@Paul_Lake) February 26, 2020
Against Real, Gundogan played for 90 minutes, had 90 touches, completed 96.2% of his 79 passes, created two chances, found a teammate with eight of his nine long balls, made one tackle, had one successful dribble, made one interception, drew four fouls and made one clearance.
The German international has made 38 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring and creating nine goals. Gundogan has played every minute of every Champions League game for City and his performance against Real showed why.