Rodri has revealed that one of his Manchester City teammates was playing through pain in his side’s 3-3 draw against Real Madrid.
Ahead of the contest, Kevin De Bruyne could not do so, as Pep Guardiola confirmed in his post-match press conference [via HaytersTV] that he was not feeling well.
It was a massive blow to see De Bruyne out of the team as City had travelled to the Santiago Bernabeu without their star man in the side.
As a result, Phil Foden was given the chance to be his boyhood club’s number 10 in arguably the most prestigious stadium in world football.
Thankfully for Pep Guardiola, the Englishman did not buckle under the weight of expectations on Tuesday night.
Foden’s performance was a sign of life after De Bruyne, despite the latter remaining a hugely important player for City.
Rodri says Man City star played through pain against Real Madrid
As Manchester City earned a 3-3 draw against Real Madrid, it is fair to state that they would be happier after the result.
For starters, the Spanish giants were at home and as a result, the onus was on them to win the first leg.
In addition, Los Blancos do not have the best record at the Etihad Stadium in recent history, losing thrice in their last three visits to the blue side of Manchester.
Another crucial point to make is that the treble-winners played three games in the last nine games before their clash against Real Madrid.
On the contrary, the champions-elect in La Liga had a nine-day break coming into the game.
Whilst not having to travel due to the Champions League affair being played at their home ground.
Perhaps the desire and fight showed by the City players ended up being a massive difference-maker on the night for them.
One of them who certainly did was Manchester City defender John Stones, with Rodri revealing after the game against Real Madrid that he was playing through pain.
“John [Stones] was tight and had some problems at the end but he showed his courage because he knew that the team needed him. He didn’t say, ‘I need to go’, he stayed until the end, this is the kind of thing we’re going to need”, he said about the £50 million man [via the Daily Mail].
The revelation made by Rodri does make one recall that John Stones was clutching his hamstring against Real Madrid and it seemed Manchester City were cursed with an injury crisis at the back.
Hats off to John Stones
Yet, Stones continued to fight and helped his team get a brilliant result against Ancelotti’s side.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri also recognises the incredible sacrifice John Stones made against Real Madrid, judging by his words.
Considering the Englishman was seen in pain during the second half, it was interesting to see how his performance was as assured as it was after the half-time break.
The former Everton defender made several crucial challenges, such as intercepting the ball inside the box to stop a free Jude Bellingham from putting the ball in the back of the net.
The 29-year-old also headed away a cross to Bellingham, who could have had a free header in the late stages of the game.
To step up in such a manner while having a knock was heroic from Stones.