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.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
