Real Madrid faced off against Benfica earlier tonight as they hoped to secure a win on the road in their UEFA Champions League playoff first-leg clash. Los Blancos made a solid start to the game but were held to a scoreless draw at the half-time break.
Vinicius Junior gave his team the lead in the 50th minute. Alvaro Arbeloa’s men defended their slender advantage well and earned a narrow 1-0 away from home.
Let’s take a look at how each Real Madrid player fared during the clash against Benfica.
GK: Thibaut Courtois – 7/10
He made a few solid saves at the back and secured an important clean sheet tonight.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7.5/10
Alexander-Arnold performed his defensive duties well and made two key chances in the final third.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – 7/10
He put his foot through the ball when he could and was tidy with his passing.
CB: Dean Huijsen – 8/10
The Spaniard put his foot through the ball when he could and was a strong presence in the air.
LB: Alvaro Carreras – 7/10
Carreras was a positive influence at both ends of the field.
RW: Federico Valverde – 7.5/10
He came back to defend when he could and caught the eye at times on the right flank.
CM: Arda Guler – 7/10
Guler was not shy of attempting a shot but failed to find the back of the net tonight.
CM: Aurelien Tchouameni – 8/10
He anchored the midfield with conviction and made one good chance going forward.
LW: Eduardo Camavinga – 7/10
Camavinga performed his defensive responsibilities well and made two inviting chances in the final third.
ST: Kylian Mbappe – 6.5/10
He caused a few headaches for his marker and has got an assist to show for his efforts.
ST: Vinicius Junior – 8/10
The Brazilian sensation caused a lot of problems for his marker and managed to score the only goal of the game in the 50th minute.
Substitutes:
RW: Brahim Diaz – N/A
CM: Thiago Pitarch – N/A
RB: Dani Carvajal – N/A
