Manchester City can already start planning for the quarter-finals after romping to a 4-0 victory over Basel in the first leg of their round-of-16 Champions League tie.
The Premier League side were 3-0 up by the 23rd minute as Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva and Sergio Aguero all conjured up sublime goals. Gundogan arguably scored the best of the night in the second half – but who were the other star performers?
Check our ratings below:
RATINGS
Ederson – Dimitri Oberlin beat him to a one-on-one but his rush off the line distracted him enough. Safe hands otherwise, especially dealing with Basel’s very early attacking intent. 6
Kyle Walker – Basel dared play down his flank very few times and he’s such a potent attacking outlet, completing a total of six dribbles. Remained a livewire until the end. 8
Nicolas Otamendi – Was troubled by Dimitri Oberlin for the brief time the scores were level and could have given away a penalty. Looked slow to react when ever sized up by an attacker in the box. 5
Vincent Kompany – Less obvious than his centre-back partner – in this case a good thing. Played Oberlin onside in one dangerous moment but generally took charge at the back. 6
Fabian Delph – Not fooling anyone into thinking he’s a natural full-back but another neat and tidy performance, even though Basel tried to expose the right-hand side several times. 6
Fernandinho – Rampaging run led to Aguero’s goal. Was the man against boys in the middle of the park – made four interceptions, better than anyone on the field. 8
Ilkay Gundogan – That the German is still not a guaranteed starter speaks to the depth of City’s squad. A header of supreme quality before his wonderful second-half strike – though the only blight was his wayward passing at times. 9
Kevin De Bruyne – City’s conductor-in-chief was not entirely in sync the whole way through, despite some trademark sweeping passes. 7
Bernardo Silva – A consistent run of games is bearing fruit for Bernardo and his sweet, looping strike in the first half underlined that fact. Enjoying playing off the right. 8
Raheem Sterling – Used his pace but not to hugely great effect – should have scored after the break after getting in behind Basel’s line. Still proved a danger. 7
Sergio Aguero – On first glance the goalkeeper should have saved his strike. On second you were very mistaken. Took the ball from deep and tormented Basel time and time again. 8
SUBSTITUTES
Leroy Sane – Turned a seven-week injury into two but there was no miracle performance here. Looked severely off the pace – and for good reason. 5
David Silva – Subdued upon return from injury but game was up and there was no need for heroics. 6
Danilo – Replaced Aguero with five minutes to go. N/A