Raphael Varane mistakes vs Man City won't tarnish his Real Madrid story, says Rodrygo

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has defended team-mate Raphael Varane after the Frenchman's two errors led to goals for Manchester City in Los Blancos' 2-1 loss at the Etihad on Friday night.

Varane was sloppily dispossessed by Gabriel Jesus in his own area after nine minutes and the Brazilian set up Raheem Sterling for the opener.

And in the second half, his header back to Thibaut Courtois let Jesus in for the second goal as City ran out 2-1 winners to knock Madrid out of the Champions League 4-2 on aggregate.

"It's part of football and something that can happen to us all," Rodrygo told Movistar+ after the game.

"It's a shame, but he is a great player who has given us a lot of joy and I don't think it will be tarnish his story at Madrid."

Madrid levelled at 1-1 on the night and retained hope at 3-2 down on aggregate, but Zinedine Zidane's side were nowhere near their best in an ultimately disappointing display.

"We are sad," Rodrygo said. "We fought until the end. It was difficult because they are a great team and they are very strong here.

"I think we could have done more in the first half, but they also deserved to go through."

Real finish the season with two trophies, the Spanish Supercopa and LaLiga, but end on a sour note with their second successive last-16 exit in the Champions League.

Asked to give marks for Madrid's campaign, Rodrygo said: "A nine. We had a great season, but nine because of the Champions League."