In a thrilling encounter at Anfield, Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Also Read: UCL Match Report! Liverpool vs Real Madrid Match Updates, News and Scores (27th November, 2024)
While the Reds displayed their usual pressing intensity, Real Madrid faltered in crucial moments, especially Kylian Mbappé, who missed a penalty that could have swung the match in their favor. Here’s how the players rated on the night:
Liverpool Player Ratings
Caoimhin Kelleher (8)
Kelleher was largely untested in the first half, but he made a crucial save when he stopped Mbappé’s penalty, which could have leveled the game. His intervention kept Liverpool’s advantage intact.
Conor Bradley (9)
Bradley was fantastic at both ends of the pitch, impressing with his defensive discipline against the pace of Mbappé. His standout moment came when he made a brilliant tackle on the French forward, earning a cheer from the crowd.
Ibrahima Konaté (8)
Konaté was dominant in the air, winning all aerial duels against a fluid Real Madrid attack. Despite facing a rotating front three, he remained unshakable in defense.
Virgil van Dijk (8)
Van Dijk had a couple of early scares, notably when he gave the ball away to Arda Güler, but he quickly regained his composure. His tackling was key when Mbappé drifted inside, keeping Real Madrid at bay.
Andy Robertson (7)
Robertson was involved in several key moments, with good positional play to counter Güler and Valverde. He made a couple of minor mistakes but recovered well. The penalty he conceded was harsh but perhaps avoidable.
Ryan Gravenberch (8)
Gravenberch had a solid performance, although he mistimed a few tackles that allowed Real Madrid to break. However, his passing was composed, and he rarely gave the ball away.
Alexis Mac Allister (8)
Mac Allister was exceptional in the midfield, distributing the ball with precision and providing crucial defensive support. His goal early in the second half was a well-taken strike that opened the scoring for Liverpool.
Curtis Jones (8)
Jones had a steady influence on the game, making important runs and linking up well in the midfield. He grew into the game and was key in both defending and supporting the attack.
Mohamed Salah (7)
Salah was quieter than usual in the first half but still managed to create problems with his movement. He won a penalty, though he missed it, but remained a threat throughout with his dribbling.
Darwin Núñez (6)
Núñez had an underwhelming performance, giving away unnecessary fouls and squandering a chance in front of goal. His performance lacked the usual spark, though it wasn’t entirely poor.
Luis Díaz (8)
Díaz showed his pace and flair, often troubling the Real Madrid defenders. He created several opportunities, though he was unlucky with a few blocked shots.
Substitutes
Cody Gakpo (8)
Gakpo made a significant impact after coming on, scoring an excellent goal and providing dangerous crosses. His contribution was vital, and he should be in line for more starts ahead of Núñez.
Joe Gomez replaced the injured Bradley, while Dominik Szoboszlai came on for Jones. Both players entered late and didn’t have enough time to make a noticeable impact.
Real Madrid Player Ratings
Thibaut Courtois (7)
Courtois had a busy first half, saving numerous shots, but he was powerless to stop either of Liverpool’s goals. He made key stops, keeping his side in the game at times.
Federico Valverde (6)
Valverde struggled defensively, especially against Díaz. His attacking runs were useful, but he wasn’t as effective in his defensive duties when deployed as a right-back.
Raul Asencio (7)
The young centre-back had a solid game, making key clearances and defending well against Liverpool’s forwards. He was arguably one of Real Madrid’s better performers on the night.
Antonio Rudiger (6)
Rudiger was dominant in aerial duels and did well in individual challenges. However, he wasn’t able to prevent Liverpool from taking control of the game, particularly in the second half.
Ferland Mendy (4)
Mendy had a difficult time dealing with Salah. He was fortunate not to be punished more severely for giving away the penalty and was generally poor in his defensive duties.
Eduardo Camavinga (7)
Camavinga was one of Real Madrid’s brighter players, playing a scrappy, combative game in midfield. He looked like the only one who could impose himself before he was subbed off due to injury.
Jude Bellingham (5)
Bellingham struggled to find his rhythm, with Liverpool’s midfield effectively nullifying his threat. He had a better second half, but his overall contribution was limited.
Luka Modric (5)
Modric had an off-night. His usual creativity was stifled, and he looked tired as the game wore on. He was subbed off, but his presence was barely felt in the game.
Arda Güler (5)
Güler showed glimpses of quality in the first half, with a few shots on goal, but he faded after the break and struggled to impose himself on the game.
Brahim Díaz (6)
Díaz showed energy and flair, but his contributions were limited. He did much better after Güler was substituted, finding space and making runs that caused Liverpool some problems.
Kylian Mbappé (3)
Mbappé was poor, unable to cope with the defensive efforts of Bradley. He missed a crucial penalty, and his performance failed to meet the expectations placed on him in such an important fixture.
Substitutes
Dani Ceballos (5)
Ceballos struggled to get into the game, failing to make an impact on the match and not able to cope with the intensity of Liverpool’s midfield.
Lucas Vazquez (5)
Vazquez was brought on to add fresh legs but had little influence on the match and was outshone by Gakpo.
Fran Garcia (6)
Garcia had a slightly better game than Mendy at left-back, and he defended well against Salah in the final stages of the game.
Endrick (4)
Endrick’s late introduction didn’t allow him enough time to make a real impact. He tried to get involved but struggled to make any meaningful contributions.
Carlo Ancelotti (4)
Ancelotti’s team selection was strong despite the injury crisis, but his side struggled to find their rhythm, particularly in the second half. The defeat highlighted issues within the team that Ancelotti must address moving forward.
