Liverpool had a mountain to climb tonight against Real Madrid following a 3-1 first-leg defeat on the road. On paper, they still had the chance to make it through to the semis by clinching a 2-0 win, but the missed opportunities ruined their night. The game ended in a stalemate and the 2019 Champions got knocked out by the resilient visitors.
Below are the Liverpool players rated in their 0-0 draw against Real Madrid.
Alisson Becker: 7.5
Did not seem to be as busy as Thibaut Courtois was at the other end. Was lucky though when Karim Benzema’s deflected effort hit the woodwork. Made a huge double save midway through the second half to keep the tie alive.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 8
Had a dismal display on the road but delivered a much-improved show tonight with relentless overlapping runs and crosses from the right-hand flank. Defended well against Vinícius Júnior who put the young Englishman under immense pressure back in Madrid.
Nat Phillips: 7.5
Did not do much wrong defensively barring one or two nervy occasions. Impressed once again with his aerial supremacy and positioning in the heart of the backline.
Ozan Kabak: 7
Kabak, too, maintained his composure most of the time. Dealt with the occasional threats posed by the Blancos against the run. Tried to play it out from the back and looked confident with the ball at his feet. Made way for Diogo Jota around the hour mark.
Andrew Robertson: 7
The Scotsman was lively from the left-hand flank. Balanced his game between attack and defence, however, could have done better with his final balls and crosses.
Fabinho: 6.5
Marshalled the backline from his deep-lying role. Orchestrated the Reds’ game but, at the same time, could not retain possession a lot amid pressure from the likes of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro. Yet his movement and distribution often created space high up the pitch. Dropped as a centre-half following Kabak’s substitution.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 5.5
Not good enough as he skied an attempt scandalously and looked predictable with his runs and passes all throughout the contest. Tried to play his holding game which, however, resulted in nothing in terms of attacking input and creative spark.
James Milner: 7
Was denied spectacularly by Courtois early into the game. Worked tirelessly as long as he was on the pitch. Pressed hard, committed tactical fouls and showed more urge than the other midfield options. Was taken off to be replaced by Thiago with half-an-hour remaining.
Mohamed Salah: 6
Paid the price for failing to beat Courtois one-on-one in the early moments of the match. Kept causing menace in the Blancos defence, but his wastefulness refrained the Merseysiders from staging a comeback.
Sadio Mane: 5
The miserable run continues for the Senegalese as he fumbled repeatedly in front of the goal. Could not dribble past the opponents and the alteration of flank did not help him either. Set it up beautifully for Salah in the early minutes, but the Egyptian failed to convert. Was taken off to be replaced by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain with 10 minutes remaining.
Roberto Firmino: 5.5
Disappointed once more as his final passing let him down along with a lack of effectivity in the final third. Had a couple of chances in the second half, but failed to turn things around in Liverpool’s favour. Made way for Xherdan Shaqiri late in the fixture.
Liverpool Substitutes Vs Real Madrid
Thiago Alcantara: 5.5
Could not inject much creativity despite being a great passer of the ball.
Diogo Jota: 5.5
Had some sparkling moments from the left-hand flank but was not lethal enough inside the box.
Xherdan Shaqiri: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
