Manchester City ace John Stones showed courage to play against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Stones was an inclusion in the team for the 3-3 draw in City's quarter final first leg against Real in Madrid on Tuesday.

While the defense was not at its best, midfielder Rodri admits that having Stones in the team was a huge boost.

"It's risky, it's brave but it's the way we play," said Rodri post-game.

"As a centre-back he was brilliant.

"He was tight and he had some problems at the end but he showed his courage until the end 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 for the second leg."

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Timberwolves mount incredible second-half comeback to stun Nuggets in Game 7
Watch: NASCAR drivers exchange punches after crash in All-Star Race
Knicks star offers passionate defense of HC Tom Thibodeau after Game 7 loss
Xander Schauffele proves doubters wrong with historic win at 2024 PGA Championship
Canucks won't have linchpin forward for Game 7 vs. Oilers
Pacers ride historic shooting performance to Game 7 blowout of Knicks
Watch: Aaron Judge blasts 13th home run in Yankees' seventh straight win
Knicks' Jalen Brunson suffers serious injury in Game 7 vs. Pacers
Phil Foden lifts Manchester City to fourth consecutive English Premier League title
Dodgers add recently acquired left-hander to active roster
Report: 2023 No. 7 pick expected to terminate KHL contract, join Flyers
Mavericks advance to Western Conference Finals aided by controversial call late
Connor McDavid, Oilers hammer Canucks to force Game 7
Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk epic increases excitement for potential rematch
Seize the Grey wins in muddy Preakness
Even Mike Budenholzer admits the Suns need a point guard
Watch: Juan Soto's first multi-homer game as a Yankee
Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa lead at PGA Championship
Knicks could get major boost for Game 7 showdown with Pacers
Giants All-Star pitcher suffers setback in recovery from injury