Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker delivered an “absolutely magnificent” display for Pep Guardiola’s side on Wednesday night.
This is according to Jonathan Woodgate, who was commentating on the Champions League semi-final second leg on BBC Radio 5 Live.
The £45million defender enjoyed a battle for the ages with Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr, regularly getting the better of him.
Vinicius could not get in behind Walker for the most part. And even when he did, the City man’s recovery speed ensured he’d come out on top.
In the 63rd minute, the 31-year-old went down. It looked as though he would be going off, but he got up and bravely battled on.
However, Pep Guardiola had to replace Walker in the 70th minute after an accidental collision with Vinicius Jr.
The City star appeared to have taken a blow to his ankle. The stretcher was called out, but he got up and walked off.
“This is big,” said Woodgate (4/5/22, 21:30).
“Joao Cancelo is not the most natural defender and not as quick as Kyle Walker.
“He has been absolutely magnificent. He has been absolutely incredible, he is obviously not 100 percent fit.”
City took the lead in the game on 73 minutes, Bernardo Silva setting up Riyad Mahrez for a fantastic finish.
This put them 5-3 up on aggregate, but Los Blancos scored twice late on to take the tie to extra time.
Real equalised in the 90th minute, Karim Benzema knocking the ball back across goal for Rodrygo to force home.
The Bernabeu substitute then got his second of the night moments later, heading home from close range.
And then, five minutes into extra time, Ruben Dias brought Benzema down for a penalty the Frenchman coolly converted.