Still, at least Manchester City can now concentrate on the Ballon d’Or. There was a lavish celebration for the world’s best player before this game: the word RODRI illuminated in giant letters on the pitch like a Vegas cabaret show,

Within 20 minutes, Manchester City was already down by two goals thanks to a James Maddison brace. The birthday boy poked home a brilliant cross from Dejan Kulusevski in the 13th minute and then finished a clever one-two with Son Heung-min just seven minutes later.