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."