Player Ratings: Liverpool 2-0 Real Madrid – 2024 UEFA Champions League

The highly anticipated clash between Liverpool and Real Madrid in the 2024 UEFA Champions League proved to be an intense battle, with the Reds securing a 2-0 victory. The result not only showcased Liverpool's efficiency but also exposed Real Madrid's struggles on a challenging evening. Here’s a detailed breakdown of player performances and ratings from this thrilling encounter.

Liverpool: A Masterclass in Tactical Execution

Liverpool delivered a complete performance, dominating both ends of the pitch. Their key players stepped up to the occasion, and the collective effort of the squad played a pivotal role in their victory.

• Alisson Becker: 8/10 – The Brazilian goalkeeper displayed excellent composure, making crucial saves to keep Real Madrid at bay. His distribution was rock-solid, providing an assured presence at the back.
• Virgil van Dijk: 9/10 – A commanding performance from the Dutch center-back. He was a wall in defense, shutting down multiple Real Madrid attacks and showcasing his leadership skills.
• Trent Alexander-Arnold: 8/10 – Trent was a constant threat on the right flank, delivering precise crosses and linking well with the midfield. His defensive contributions were also commendable.
• Mohamed Salah: 9/10 – Salah was the star of the show. His goal and assist capped off a dominant attacking display, and he consistently troubled Madrid’s defense.
• Dominik Szoboszlai: 8/10 – The Hungarian midfielder pulled the strings in midfield, showcasing his range of passing and ability to dictate the tempo of the game.

Real Madrid: A Night to Forget

Real Madrid struggled to find their rhythm, with underwhelming performances across the board. The Spanish giants were outclassed by Liverpool, and their attack looked toothless for much of the game.

• Thibaut Courtois: 7/10 – Despite conceding two goals, Courtois was one of Madrid’s better players. He made several important saves to prevent an even heavier loss.
• Antonio Rüdiger: 6/10 – The German defender had a mixed performance. While he provided physicality, his positional errors contributed to Liverpool's dominance.
• Luka Modrić: 5/10 – It was an uncharacteristically quiet night for Modrić. The veteran midfielder was unable to influence the game and struggled against Liverpool’s energetic midfield.
• Vinícius Júnior: 6/10 – Vinícius showed glimpses of his talent but was largely contained by Liverpool’s defense. His usual spark in attack was missing.
• Joselu: 4/10 – A disappointing outing for the striker. Joselu failed to capitalize on the few chances that came his way and was ineffective against Liverpool's backline.

Key Takeaways

Liverpool’s Dominance

Liverpool’s high pressing and sharp transitions were too much for Real Madrid to handle. Jurgen Klopp’s side looked tactically superior and well-prepared, proving why they’re among the favorites to win the Champions League this season.

Real Madrid’s Off-Night

Carlo Ancelotti’s side lacked cohesion and intensity, failing to impose themselves on the game. Their attack lacked creativity, while their midfield and defense were overwhelmed by Liverpool's pace and precision.

Man of the Match: Mohamed Salah

Salah’s brilliance was the highlight of the night. With a goal and an assist, he was the driving force behind Liverpool’s victory, cementing his status as one of Europe’s best.

Final Thoughts

Liverpool's 2-0 triumph over Real Madrid underscores their strength as a team and their ability to perform on the grandest stage. For Real Madrid, the loss serves as a wake-up call as they look to regroup and improve in the competition. The road to Champions League glory is far from over, but Liverpool’s performance sends a clear message to their rivals: they’re here to dominate.