Man City 6-3 RB Leipzig match ratings: Blues attackers run riot in Champions League opener

Manchester City started their European campaign in style, with a superb 6-3 win over RB Leipzig on what was a hugely entertaining night at the Etihad.

Nathan Ake, Riyad Mahrez, Jack Grealish and Gabriel Jesus scored for the hosts, as well as a Nordi Mukiele own-goal, while Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku netted a hat-trick.

With so much action, we made sure to jot down who exactly shone for Pep Guardiola’s men on Wednesday.

Ederson- 6

Couldn’t have done much about all three goals, but was excellent with the ball at his feet. Made several saves in the first half, none were particularly impressive.

Cancelo- 8

Phenomenal range of passing from the full-back, who nearly set up Ferran Torres for a goal in the second half. Not long after, he grabbed one himself with a sensational strike from distance.

Dias- 6

The defender won’t be happy to concede three goals, especially with two coming from crosses into the centre. As usual, Dias looked calm on the ball and kept opposition striker Andre Silva quiet.

Ake- 6

Despite scoring the opener, the No.6 didn’t cover himself in glory for two of the Leipzig goals. With John Stones and Aymeric Laporte out, Ake could partner Dias on a regular basis over the coming weeks.

Zinchenko- 6

Excellent on the ball, but his defending wasn’t up to the required standard for this level of competition. The man he was up against, Christopher Nkunku, scored a hat-trick, although the winger’s movement was excellent throughout.

Rodri- 6

Had his work cut out in the middle alongside Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva, and up against an energetic Leipzig midfield. The Spaniard put out most fires and made plenty of solid interceptions and tackles.

De Bruyne- 8

Vintage De Bruyne. He was back to his best at the Etihad and his distribution and link-up play were excellent. His cross forced Mukiele into an awkward own-goal. The Belgian was replaced at the end and maybe lacks a bit of match fitness still.

Silva- 6

Outshone by his fellow attacking players, but still had a solid game. Was steady on the ball and rarely gave possession away, but was replaced on the hour by Ilkay Gundogan.

Mahrez- 6

Played well and regularly looked dangerous on the right flank. Produced several long balls to the opposite flank and looked to cut inside whenever possible. H also netted an excellent penalty late in the first half.

Torres- 7

Great movement and link-up play from the striker. He continuously looked to play on the last man and only a tight VAR call denied him a goal in the second half.

Grealish- 9

A man-of-the-match display from the winger who made his European debut. His dribbling, distribution and shooting were a joy to behold, although not for opposition defender Mukiele. A goal and an assist isn’t a bad way to start in the Champions League on what was his best performance to date in a City shirt.

Fernandinho (on 59)- 6

Stifled plenty of Leipzig attacks, although wasn’t at his sharpest on the ball. Did bring a level of calmness to the midfield which was present before his introduction.

Gundogan (on 60)- 6

Looked to get forward at every possible opportunity and rarely gave the ball away.

Foden (on 72)- 6

Introduced late on and didn’t look out of place on his first performance of the season. Some decent passes and dribbles without creating anything of note.

Sterling (on 72)- 6

Played up front and looked lively for Guardiola’s men. Plenty of energy and dribbling from the England international.