Real Madrid Vs Liverpool 2018: Player Ratings

The 2018 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool was a match for the ages, filled with drama, controversy, and unforgettable moments. While Real Madrid emerged victorious with a 3-1 win, the game was a showcase of world-class talent on both sides. Let's delve into the player ratings for both teams, analyzing their performances and contributions to this epic encounter.

Real Madrid Player Ratings

Real Madrid's squad was packed with seasoned veterans and rising stars, all of whom played a crucial role in securing their third consecutive Champions League title. From Keylor Navas in goal to Cristiano Ronaldo leading the attack, each player had a part to play in this historic victory. Let's break down their individual performances:

Keylor Navas (6/10)

Keylor Navas, the often-underestimated goalkeeper, had a relatively quiet night, mostly due to Liverpool's misfortune and Real Madrid's solid defense for significant portions of the game. While he wasn't heavily tested, he made a few routine saves and looked composed. However, he wasn't entirely convincing and perhaps could have done better with Sadio Mané's goal. Navas's distribution was also inconsistent, sometimes putting his defenders under pressure. Overall, a decent performance, but not one that will be remembered as his finest hour.

He wasn't called upon to make any spectacular saves, which is a testament to the work done by his defense for much of the match. However, in moments where Liverpool managed to breach the defensive line, Navas appeared hesitant at times. His positioning was generally good, but there were instances where he seemed slightly off, contributing to a sense of unease among the Real Madrid faithful. Furthermore, his kicking from the back was often erratic, leading to turnovers in possession and unnecessary pressure on his teammates. Despite these shortcomings, Navas did manage to maintain his focus and avoid any major blunders, ultimately playing a part in Real Madrid's triumph, albeit a less prominent one than some of his counterparts.

Dani Carvajal (N/A)

Dani Carvajal's night was unfortunately cut short due to an injury. Before exiting the game, he was solid defensively, keeping Sadio Mané in check. His absence was a significant blow to Real Madrid, as he provides vital energy and defensive stability on the right flank. Carvajal's overlapping runs and ability to deliver crosses were sorely missed after he left the field. His injury undoubtedly disrupted Real Madrid's rhythm, forcing them to reshuffle their defense.

Raphael Varane (7/10)

Raphael Varane put in a commanding performance at the heart of the defense. He was strong in the tackle, quick to intercept, and composed on the ball. Varane's partnership with Sergio Ramos was crucial in containing Liverpool's dynamic attack. He made several crucial blocks and clearances, preventing Liverpool from creating clear-cut chances. His aerial presence was also vital in dealing with Liverpool's set-piece deliveries. Varane's performance was a testament to his growing maturity and importance to the Real Madrid team.

Sergio Ramos (6/10)

Sergio Ramos, as always, was a controversial figure. While he was solid defensively and made several important interventions, his challenge on Mohamed Salah was heavily criticized. Whether intentional or not, the tackle resulted in Salah's injury and forced substitution, which significantly impacted Liverpool's game plan. Aside from that incident, Ramos was his usual combative self, organizing the defense and leading by example. His leadership and experience were invaluable in guiding Real Madrid to victory. However, the lingering shadow of the Salah incident will undoubtedly tarnish his performance in the eyes of many.

Marcelo (7/10)

Marcelo was a constant threat down the left flank, providing width and attacking impetus. He linked up well with Cristiano Ronaldo and delivered several dangerous crosses into the box. Defensively, he had his moments, but was occasionally caught out of position. His energy and enthusiasm were infectious, driving Real Madrid forward throughout the game. Marcelo's attacking contribution was a key factor in Real Madrid's success.

Casemiro (7/10)

Casemiro provided the midfield steel and defensive cover that allowed Real Madrid's more creative players to flourish. He broke up Liverpool's attacks, won tackles, and shielded the defense effectively. Casemiro's presence in midfield was crucial in disrupting Liverpool's rhythm and preventing them from gaining control of the game. His unsung work often goes unnoticed, but his importance to the team is undeniable.

Toni Kroos (7/10)

Toni Kroos dictated the tempo of the game with his precise passing and intelligent movement. He controlled the midfield, spraying passes to all corners of the pitch and creating opportunities for his teammates. Kroos's composure and vision were vital in keeping Real Madrid in control of the game, even during periods of intense pressure from Liverpool. His ability to pick out a pass and maintain possession was a key asset for Real Madrid.

Luka Modrić (7/10)

Luka Modrić, like Kroos, was instrumental in controlling the midfield. His dribbling skills, vision, and work rate were all on display. He linked up well with Kroos and Isco, creating a formidable midfield trio. Modrić's ability to glide past players and create space was a constant thorn in Liverpool's side. His performance was a masterclass in midfield control and creativity.

Isco (6/10)

Isco started the game brightly, showcasing his close control and dribbling skills. However, he faded as the game went on and was eventually substituted. While he had moments of brilliance, he didn't quite have the impact that was expected of him. His performance was a mixed bag, with flashes of brilliance overshadowed by inconsistency. Isco's inability to maintain his influence throughout the game was a disappointment for Real Madrid fans.

Karim Benzema (8/10)

Karim Benzema had a significant impact on the game, scoring the opening goal with a clever piece of opportunism. He pressed the Liverpool defense relentlessly and created several chances for himself and his teammates. Benzema's movement and link-up play were excellent, making him a constant threat to the Liverpool goal. His goal set the tone for Real Madrid and helped them gain control of the game.

Cristiano Ronaldo (6/10)

Cristiano Ronaldo had a relatively quiet game by his standards. While he had a few shots on goal, he didn't have the decisive impact that many expected. He was well-marked by the Liverpool defense and struggled to find space. Despite not scoring, his presence on the pitch still occupied the Liverpool defenders and created space for his teammates. Ronaldo's performance was a reminder that even the best players have off days.

Substitutes:

• Nacho (7/10): Came on for the injured Carvajal and provided solid defensive cover.
• Gareth Bale (9/10): Scored two goals, including a stunning overhead kick, to seal the victory for Real Madrid. A game-changing performance.
• Marco Asensio (N/A): Didn't have enough time to make a significant impact.

Liverpool Player Ratings

Liverpool entered the final as the underdogs but had shown throughout the competition that they were a force to be reckoned with. Their dynamic attacking trio of Salah, Mané, and Firmino had terrorized defenses all season. However, injuries and goalkeeping errors ultimately cost them the title. Let's examine their individual performances:

Loris Karius (2/10)

Loris Karius had a night to forget, making two calamitous errors that directly led to Real Madrid goals. His first mistake, throwing the ball directly into Benzema's path, was simply inexplicable. His second error, failing to deal with Bale's long-range shot, was equally egregious. Karius's performance was a disaster, and he will forever be remembered for his costly mistakes in the final. His errors completely derailed Liverpool's chances of winning the Champions League. The psychological impact of these blunders cannot be overstated, as they shattered the team's confidence and left them with an insurmountable deficit.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (6/10)

Trent Alexander-Arnold had a tough night against Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo. While he showed glimpses of his attacking quality, he was often caught out defensively. His inexperience was exposed at times, but he also showed resilience and determination. Alexander-Arnold's performance was a learning experience for the young defender. He struggled to contain the overlapping runs of Marcelo and often found himself isolated against Ronaldo's dribbling prowess. Despite these challenges, he demonstrated flashes of brilliance, delivering accurate crosses into the box and making crucial tackles when needed. However, his defensive frailties were ultimately exploited by Real Madrid's experienced attackers.

Dejan Lovren (6/10)

Dejan Lovren had a decent game overall, but was partly at fault for Benzema's goal. He was strong in the air and made several important clearances, but his concentration wavered at crucial moments. Lovren's partnership with Virgil van Dijk was generally solid, but they were unable to prevent Real Madrid from scoring three goals. Lovren's performance was a mix of good and bad, ultimately falling short of what was required to win the final.

Virgil van Dijk (7/10)

Virgil van Dijk was Liverpool's best defender on the night. He was dominant in the air, strong in the tackle, and composed on the ball. Van Dijk made several crucial interceptions and clearances, preventing Real Madrid from creating more clear-cut chances. His presence in the defense provided a sense of security for Liverpool, but even he couldn't prevent the team from conceding soft goals. Van Dijk's performance was a testament to his quality and importance to the Liverpool team.

Andrew Robertson (7/10)

Andrew Robertson was a tireless worker down the left flank. He defended well, tackled fiercely, and provided attacking support. Robertson's energy and enthusiasm were infectious, driving Liverpool forward throughout the game. He delivered several dangerous crosses into the box and was a constant threat to the Real Madrid defense. Robertson's performance was a shining example of his commitment and quality.

Jordan Henderson (6/10)

Jordan Henderson worked hard in midfield, but struggled to contain Real Madrid's creative players. He broke up some attacks, but was often outrun and outmaneuvered by Kroos and Modrić. Henderson's passing was generally accurate, but he didn't provide enough creativity or attacking impetus. His performance was solid, but not spectacular. He was tasked with shielding the defense and disrupting Real Madrid's midfield flow, but he often found himself chasing shadows as Kroos and Modrić dictated the tempo of the game. Despite his tireless efforts, Henderson was unable to exert his usual influence on the match.

James Milner (5/10)

James Milner provided energy and experience in midfield, but struggled to make a significant impact. He worked hard defensively, but his passing was often erratic and he didn't provide enough creativity. Milner's performance was a reflection of his limitations as a player. He gave his all, but lacked the quality to compete with Real Madrid's midfield maestros. Milner's contribution was admirable, but ultimately insufficient.

Georginio Wijnaldum (5/10)

Georginio Wijnaldum was largely anonymous in midfield. He didn't make any significant contributions defensively or offensively. Wijnaldum's performance was a disappointment, as he failed to provide the energy and dynamism that Liverpool needed in midfield. His lack of impact was a contributing factor to Liverpool's midfield struggles. He seemed hesitant and lacked his usual drive, failing to make incisive passes or contribute effectively to the defensive effort. His performance left many wondering why he was selected to start such a crucial game.

Mohamed Salah (N/A)

Mohamed Salah's night was tragically cut short due to injury. Before his substitution, he looked dangerous and posed a threat to the Real Madrid defense. His absence was a massive blow to Liverpool, as he is their most potent attacking weapon. Salah's injury completely changed the complexion of the game. His early exit shattered Liverpool's game plan and significantly reduced their chances of winning.

Roberto Firmino (6/10)

Roberto Firmino worked hard and showed glimpses of his quality, but didn't have a significant impact on the game. He was well-marked by the Real Madrid defense and struggled to find space. Firmino's link-up play was good, but he didn't create enough clear-cut chances. His performance was a disappointment, as he failed to replicate his usual brilliance. Firmino's inability to make a decisive impact was a setback for Liverpool.

Sadio Mané (8/10)

Sadio Mané was Liverpool's best attacker on the night. He scored a well-taken goal and was a constant threat to the Real Madrid defense. Mané's pace, dribbling skills, and finishing ability were all on display. He was one of the few Liverpool players who performed to their full potential. Mané's performance was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing night for Liverpool.

Substitutes:

• Adam Lallana (5/10): Came on for the injured Salah but didn't make a significant impact.
• Emre Can (6/10): Provided some energy in midfield but couldn't change the course of the game.
• Dominic Solanke (N/A): Didn't have enough time to make a significant impact.

Conclusion

The 2018 Champions League final was a game of contrasting fortunes for both teams. Real Madrid's experience and clinical finishing proved to be the difference, while Liverpool's goalkeeping errors and key injuries ultimately cost them the title. While individual performances varied, Gareth Bale's game-changing contribution off the bench was undoubtedly the defining moment of the match. The player ratings reflect the highs and lows of this unforgettable encounter, showcasing the brilliance and blunders that unfolded on the night.