Real Madrid

Real Madrid player ratings vs Liverpool: Masterful Modric leads Los Blancos into the last eight

Thomas Hindle
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Luka Modric Fabinho Real Madrid Liverpool Champions League 2022-23
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The Croatian dominated the midfield while Vinicius Junior contributed in attack once again as Carlo Ancelotti's side triumphed 1-0 at the Bernabeu

Real Madrid cruised into the quarter-finals of the Champions League by beating Liverpool 1-0 to complete a 6-2 aggregate win over the Reds.

Los Blancos were relatively comfortable in the first half, with Luka Modric's cool head settling things in central midfield.

They had their chances, too, forcing Alisson into a series of dramatic saves, including one point-blank block from Vinicius Junior.

The Madrid goal, when it came, was well deserved, though it was a tad fortuitous. Vinicius and Benzema combined inside the box after a couple of lucky bounces, and the Frenchman finished into an open net to put the last-16 tie to bed.

And so it ultimately proved relatively simple. Madrid ate early pressure, grabbed a goal of their own, and by the end could give some of their big names a breather with Barcelona to come in El Clasico on Sunday.

GOAL rates Madrid's players from the Santiago Bernabeu...

Editors' Picks

  1. Goalkeeper & Defence
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    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Thibaut Courtois (8/10):

    Denied Darwin Nunez at full stretch in the first half. Came up with a few other saves to ensure it was goalless at the break.

    Dani Carvajal (7/10):

    Had an interesting battle with Nunez down the right. Did well for spells, but was occasionally overmatched physically. Was perhaps relieved to see him substituted.

    Eder Militao (7/10):

    Dominant in the air, and made some terrific tackles. Job done.

    Antonio Rudiger (7/10):

    Exposed in behind early, but rebounded with a series of impressive blocks and interventions.

    Nacho (7/10):

    Dealt with Mo Salah well. Burned some clock when needed, and showed some attacking thrust, too.

  2. Midfield
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    Midfield

    Luka Modric (9/10):

    Composed as ever from the first minute. Entirely unfazed by Liverpool pressure. Standing ovation when he came off. Magnificent.

    Eduardo Camavinga (7/10):

    Denied by Alisson from 25 yards out early, kept first Cody Gakpo then Roberto Firmino quiet in front of the back four. Will be encouraged to have started over Aurelien Tchouameni.

    Toni Kroos (7/10):

    As reliable as ever in his passing, put a nice shot on target. Eventually handed a breather before El Clasico.

  4. Attack
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    Attack

    Federico Valverde (7/10):

    Made lots of unselfish runs, covering plenty of ground. Should have scored (twice).

    Karim Benzema (7/10):

    Seemed certain to score after running through on goal early on. Missed a couple of other chances before grabbing the game's only goal. Appeared to pick up a knock in doing so but says he'll be fine for El Clasico...

    Vinicius Jr (8/10):

    Had a go at Trent Alexander-Arnold early. Dribbling for fun within 20 minutes. Assisted Benzema, continuing his vendetta against the Reds.

  5. Subs & Manager
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    Subs & Manager

    Dani Ceballos (6/10):

    A nice cameo for 10 minutes.

    Rodrygo (6/10):

    Thought he won a penalty. Probably has a point.

    Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):

    Will be disappointed to have started on the bench.

    Marco Asensio (N/A):

    On the pitch for six minutes.

    Lucas Vasquez (N/A):
    Barely touched the ball.

    Carlo Ancelotti (9/10):

    Promised that his team would play to win, and Madrid certainly went for it. Got the best out of his midfield three, and kept Salah quiet enough. If anything, Ancelotti will be disappointed that his side didn't score more. Through to the next round with relative ease. Barcelona next. This was a promising warm-up.