Find the ratings of the Madrid players after their hard-fought victory against Atlético Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16. This Tuesday, Real Madrid performed brilliantly against the Colchoneros, winning 2-1.
Highly anticipated this Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabéu against Atlético, Real Madrid did what was essential: the victory. After a great start with a beautiful goal from Rodrygo Goes in the 4th minute, Carlo Ancelotti’s men lost some intensity after the 25th minute, somewhat like in their match against Real Betis last Saturday in La Liga. Shortly after, the Madrid team was caught up on the scoreline with an incredible curling shot from Julián Álvarez, the current in-form player for the Colchoneros.
After the break, the match continued along the lines of the end of the first half, with a slight dominance from the visitors. But with players like Rodrygo, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Brahim Diaz, full of determination, Real Madrid regained the lead. After a brilliant performance from the Moroccan player in Real’s squad, the second goal came. For the remainder of the match, the Madrid players managed the game until the final whistle of referee Clément Turpin. Real Madrid holds a slight advantage ahead of the return leg at the Civitas Metropolitano next week.
The ratings for the Madrid players are as follows:
Thibaut Courtois: 6/10
He didn’t have much to do. Not often tested during the match, Thibaut Courtois couldn’t do anything about the unstoppable shot from Julián Álvarez during the equaliser. Since he wasn’t really challenged due to his partners’ solid defending, there is nothing to fault the Belgian goalkeeper for.
Ferland Mendy: 6/10
A solid match for Mendy. On Tuesday, he was present in the Madrid box, making important and crucial interventions. Overall, there is nothing to criticise about the left-back, though he didn’t contribute much offensively.
Antonio Rudiger: 7/10
Having struggled last Saturday in La Liga, Rudiger bounced back well this Tuesday. In a high-stakes match where he was expected to be below 100% fitness, the German rock stood strong in front of Atlético’s attackers. During tough periods for Real Madrid, he cleared the ball well upfield and even took a few chances. A good performance.
Raúl Asensio: 7/10
The young Spanish defender had another solid match. As usual, Raúl Asensio was firm on his feet and partnered well with Rudiger. Thanks to his speed, he won many duels, including a key one against Julián Álvarez in the 71st minute. Another great match for the centre-back, who proves once again that he should remain an undisputed starter over David Alaba.
Federico Valverde: 7/10
He gritted his teeth to cover the right flank despite his critical physical condition. As usual, Valverde was present, and much more so than Lucas Vazquez. He made an important interception in front of Courtois’ goal in the 26th minute. He assisted Rodrygo’s goal and performed well throughout the match. Given that he wasn’t 100%, he deserves praise.
Aurélien Tchouaméni: 7/10
A solid performance from Tchouaméni. As a defensive midfielder, he brought the necessary intensity. In several duels, he asserted his physicality. Overall, there is little to fault the Monaco player for.
Eduardo Camavinga: 5/10
Starting the match, Camavinga had a decent performance. Although he intercepted a few balls, the former Rennes player, currently going through a rough patch, didn’t respond well in key moments, such as on the equalising goal by Julián Álvarez. Physically drained, Eduardo didn’t have his best game.
Brahim Diaz: 8/10
The Moroccan midfielder had an excellent match. Playing in a role similar to Jude Bellingham’s, Brahim ran tirelessly. He was involved in several actions, winning balls, creating chances, and earning fouls. Although he missed a few passes early in the second half, he redeemed himself at the right moment, outsmarting the Colchoneros defence to score the second goal. Excellent performance!
Vinícius Junior: 5/10
It wasn’t a great performance from Vini. Like against Betis last weekend, the Brazilian winger had difficulty creating opportunities. Against a strong defensive team, Vinícius Junior was not at his sharpest. Another frustrating evening for the 2024 Player of the Year.
Rodrygo Goes: 8/10
The sole bright spot once again in Madrid’s attack. In great form for months, Rodrygo Goes proved his excellent form once again with his first goal in the 4th minute. Both defensively and offensively, the Brazilian forward tried everything to help Real Madrid.
Kylian Mbappé: 3/10
What a dreadful match for the French forward! Playing as the central striker, Mbappé struggled in the first half. Well-covered by the Colchoneros defence, KM9 not only lost several balls but also had difficulties getting back into the game. While the match was fiercely contested, he only ran 4 km in the first half. Instead of dropping back and defending, the Bondy native walked a lot, seemingly dragging his feet. In the second half, things didn’t improve much.
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