Real Madrid edge past Liverpool in the UCL Final as they bring the 14th Champions League home. Liverpool controlled the game for the most part but a classic counter-attacking philosophy from Real Madrid masterminded by Carlo Ancelotti helped Los Blancos clinch their 14th Champions League title.
Let us take a look at how the Real Madrid player ratings after the historic night in Paris.
Thibaut Courtois —10: A perfect rating for our Belgian wall as he was in sensational form during the night, stopping nine shots on target from Liverpool and earned his well-deserved clean sheet along with the Man of the Match award. Real Madrid owes the 14th Champions League to Courtois as the Belgian wall remained unbeaten that night in Paris. It’s safe to say that kind of performance was more spectacular than what we saw from Iker Casillas in 2002 against Leverkusen.
Ferland Mendy —8: Was the most accurate passer (97%) of the game. Did well to contain Mo Salah except in a few situations when Courtois was called to action to dismantle danger. Fluid in passing and playing the ball like the team as he dealt comfortably against Gegenpressing.
David Alaba —8: Started the game amidst speculation over his fitness but he recovered in time and dropped a memorable display in the final. He along with his defensive partner Militao remained rock-solid in their position and averted dangerous crosses coming in from TAA and Robertson. Played the ball to Benzema for the controversially disallowed goal. Made 3 blocks, 2 clearances and 3 crucial interceptions.
Eder Militao —7.5: Made four clearances with three crucial interceptions. He was a ‘beast’ in the air as he dismantled several Liverpool attacks by headed clearances. Combined well with his defensive partner, Alaba. Had a slow start but gradually improved himself.
Dani Carvajal —8: Dropped one of the best of his displays in the final. Totally dismantled Luiz Diaz on the right side. Some brilliant passing and ruthless defending capped off his day with another piece of silverware. Achieved a 100% tackle success rate completing 4/4 of his attempted tackles.
Casemiro —8.5: Won the most duels in the match with a record high of 13. Made three crucial interceptions (last-ditch efforts) and six recoveries.
Toni Kroos —9: Had a slow start but like the team, he gradually improved. He delivered a peak performance against the reds as he controlled the tempo of the whole game consistently. He found Valverde and Vinicius in lethal positions with his excellent passing. Finished the game with a pass success rate of 93%.
Luka Modric —9: Liverpool got him well covered with their Gegenpressing the first 15 minutes after that it was all Luka ‘show’. He began to press Liverpool midfielders high up the pitch and due to his efforts, Real began to find their pace in the game. Made six recoveries.
Fede Valverde —8: He’s a guy who will leave everything on the pitch for this club. With his outstanding work rate, he pressed up the pitch giving nervy moments to the Liverpool defence. Provided the assist for the winning goal to Vinicius Jr. as he send a ball in breaking the lines of defence finding Vini who slotted it home.
Vini Jr. —9: He topped off his incredible season with a goal in the UCL Final and lifting the trophy. Outsmarted TAA in the run for the goal. Vini, Vedi, Vici!
Karim Benzema —7.5: After having a stupendous season he couldn’t register a shot on target in the final. Klopp worked with his players to contain the talismanic forward and they did well. His goal was controversially ruled offside but still did well in breaking the Liverpool press and covering midfield positions at times.
Substitutions
Eduardo Camavinga —6: Came on in the 86th minute for Valverde. Missed a great chance from distance as he skied the ball in the stands.
Dani Ceballos —5: Had the best chance of the game in the dying minutes but he couldn’t control the ball in a 1v1 against Alisson.
Rodrygo — N/A: Came on late and made no significant impact on the game.
