Real Madrid News
Liverpool 2-5 Real Madrid: Player Ratings
After a first underwhelming week of Champions League football, Liverpool and Real Madrid at Anfield promised quite an entertaining spectacle. Jurgen Klopp’s men were seeking revenge, while Los Blancos were hoping to prove why they are the UCL defenders.
And it did not disappoint.
Goals started pouring in from the fourth-minute onwards when Mo Salah found Darwin Nunez inside the box, and the Uruguayan produced a sensational backheel flick to finish off the chance.
An absolute howler from Thibaut Courtois presented Salah with the chance to double their lead, but Madrid did not sit back for very long. The comeback was already underway by the 21st minute as Vinicius Junior’s incredible curler slotted into the bottom right corner.
The Brazilian then added another to his tally on the night when Alisson’s poor free-kick hit his back en route its way into the net.
Thereon, it was all Real Madrid, as Eder Militao and Karim Benzema (twice) got on the scoresheet to register a sensational 2-5 first leg win. It’s just what they do.
Thibaut Courtois: 2
Courtois produced the first of two howlers in the game when he game away the ball to Mo Salah for Liverpool’s second goal of the game. Did not do much wrong – or right – apart from that, though.
Dani Carvajal: 4
Dealing with the threat of Darwin Nunez, Carvajal was constantly on the backfoot on the right flank. Completely lost track of the Uruguayan on the opener, and then again, a fair few times.
Eder Militao: 7.5
Pretty much the only decent defender in the Madrid backline when the game started. Made a clutch goal-line clearance in the first-half, and then scored the goal that gave Madrid the lead in the second.
Antonio Rudiger: 6.5
Out of position a few times but did well to make recoveries at other moments. Unsurprisingly, a mixed game from him.
David Alaba: 4
Had to go off injured within the first half-an-hour. Did not do much noteworthy before that.
Federico Valverde: 8
Provided cover for Carvajal to deal with Nunez at times, and was also integral in launching counter-attacks thanks to his speed. Ran himself into the ground once again.
Eduardo Camavinga: 7
Far from his best in the first half, but gradually grew into the game in the second as Madrid found rhythm.
Luka Modric: 8.5
No stopping Luka Modric once again, as he ran the show from Madrid’s midfield. Constantly found spaces despite pressure to launch counters, and eventually got on the assist sheet with a superb free-kick for Militao’s goal.
Rodrygo: 7
Mostly a so-so performance from Rodrygo, but the Brazilian eventually assisted Benzema’s first goal.
Karim Benzema: 9.5
The less said about Benzema the better at this point. Looked out of the game during the initial minutes, but then assisted Vinicius for the first goal. Scored one in the second half, and then got himself a brace with a sensational finish that sold Alisson and the Pool defence.
Vinicius Jr: 9
Took responsibility and led the charge for Madrid when they were 2-0 down. Came clutch with a superb individual effort in the first-half that slotted into the bottom corner, and then found the equaliser after chasing down Alisson into the box. Got an assist, too, as Benzema slotted in the fifth.
SUBSTITUTES:
Nacho: 6
Found it difficult initially, as Mo Salah and Alexander-Arnold double-teamed him. Much better in the second half, especially as Pool chased a goal or two.
Dani Ceballos: 6.5
Came on late but did well to slow down the tempo of the midfield in Madrid’s favour.
Marco Asensio: N/A
Came on too late to warrant a rating.
Toni Kroos: N/A
Brought on with three minutes of regulation time remaining, was caught out once, but overall did not do enough to warrant a rating.
As we approach the final phase of the 2022/23 campaign, Real Madrid are facing immense pressure to renew the contracts of two of their veterans Karim Benzema and Luka Modric.
According to a recent report from Josep Pedrerol, Real Madrid have been made aware that Saudi Arabian clubs have contacted the two, with the aim of bringing them to the Middle East to enhance their league.
Modric has been facing an uncertain future with his contract expiring at the end of the season. While he is in talks with Madrid over a renewal, the midfielder has also been approached by Saudi Arabian clubs, as they look to enhance the league by roping in stars from Europe.
Al Nassr notably made headlines earlier in the year by bringing in Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United. Since then, Saudi clubs have been linked with moves for players like Sergio Ramos, Eden Hazard and even Lionel Messi.
Modric, too, is considered one of the top targets for Saudi clubs. Although the midfielder has expressed his desire to continue at the Bernabeu for at least another year, a deal with Real Madrid has not materialised. This has opened up a window of opportunity for Saudi clubs to make their move.
Meanwhile, Karim Benzema was reported to be close to finalising a renewal recently, but an agreement is yet to be reached. The Frenchman has had his share of struggles with injuries and fitness this season, which has led to questions about his longevity and future at Real Madrid.
While the links to a move to Saudi Arabia have not been as prominent for Benzema, it is expected that the Saudi clubs may jump on any opportunity to lure the striker to the Middle East.
Real Madrid are aware of the situation and are working to secure the futures of their star players. However, with the prospect of lucrative contracts being offered by the Saudi Arabian clubs, the players themselves may be tempted to make the move.
