Real Madrid Player Ratings vs Benfica: Dramatic Defeat Ends Group Hopes

Real Madrid player ratings vs Benfica headline a dramatic Champions League night as Los Blancos suffered a 4-2 defeat at Estadio da Luz. Despite a brace from Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid now face the difficult route of a play-off to reach the Champions League last-16 after late drama and two red cards marred their performance.

Real Madrid Player Ratings vs Benfica: Match Overview

Real Madrid’s trip to Lisbon ended in disappointment and wild celebrations for Benfica. Facing a well-organized Portuguese side under the guidance of Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid struggled to control the game from the outset. Benfica’s counter-attacking threat was clear, and although Kylian Mbappe’s early header gave Madrid the lead against the run of play, they never looked comfortable.

Benfica responded through Andreas Schjelderup, whose clever header slipped beneath Thibaut Courtois to level the score. Just before halftime, a reckless challenge by Aurelien Tchouameni conceded a penalty, with Vangelis Pavlidis calmly slotting home to give Benfica a 2-1 advantage at the break.

Second Half Drama: Mbappe Shines But Madrid Falter

The second half brought more Real Madrid player ratings vs Benfica talking points. Schjelderup quickly extended Benfica’s lead with a composed finish on another rapid counterattack. Although Mbappe reignited hope with a well-taken goal from an Arda Guler cross, Madrid failed to find the equalizer they desperately needed.

Tensions soared in stoppage time as both Raul Asencio and Rodrygo were dismissed—Asencio for a second yellow card and Rodrygo for dissent—leaving Madrid with nine men. The final blow came in extraordinary fashion when Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin ventured forward and scored a towering header from a set-piece, sealing the 4-2 win and sparking jubilation in Lisbon.

Individual Player Ratings: Who Stood Out?

– Thibaut Courtois (5/10): Made some crucial saves but was at fault for the first two goals.
– Federico Valverde (5/10): Struggled defensively, leaving space on the right.
– Raul Asencio (4/10): Provided the assist for Mbappe but was exposed defensively and received a red card.
– Dean Huijsen (6/10): Covered well but was substituted early.
– Alvaro Carreras (5/10): Susceptible to Benfica’s attacks down his side.
– Aurelien Tchouameni (5/10): Gave away a crucial penalty and lacked urgency.
– Arda Guler (6/10): Showed flashes of promise, particularly on the right.
– Jude Bellingham (6/10): Worked tirelessly but had limited attacking influence.
– Franco Mastantuono (5/10): Maintained width but lacked precision in possession.
– Kylian Mbappe (8/10): Scored twice and was Madrid’s brightest spark, though he suffered an injury scare.
– Vinicius Jr (5/10): Anonymous for much of the match, struggled to impact proceedings.

Impact Substitutes and Manager Assessment

– Eduardo Camavinga (6/10): Added bite to the midfield after coming on.
– Rodrygo (4/10): Ineffective and dismissed late on.
– David Alaba (6/10): Solid performance at centre-back.
– Jorge Cestero (6/10): Bright cameo from the academy graduate.
– Brahim Diaz (N/A): No time to influence the game.
– Alvaro Arbeloa (4/10): Opted for a full-strength eleven, but his team looked disjointed and lacked resilience, fully deserving the defeat.

Real Madrid’s Road Ahead: Play-Off Pressure

Falling to third place in their group, Real Madrid now face the high-stakes challenge of a Champions League play-off to secure a last-16 spot. Their potential opponents, either Mourinho’s Benfica or Bodo/Glimt, present no easy path. The red cards mean Madrid may be without key players for the upcoming crucial fixtures, further complicating Arbeloa’s task of steadying the ship.

What Went Wrong for Real Madrid vs Benfica?

Real Madrid’s vulnerabilities were evident throughout the contest. Defensive lapses, indiscipline, and a lack of midfield control allowed Benfica to dictate the rhythm and capitalize on transitions. While Kylian Mbappe’s individual brilliance briefly gave them hope, it wasn’t enough to overcome the collective shortcomings and numerical disadvantage after the late dismissals.

Opinion: Lessons to Learn Before the Play-Offs

In summary, the Real Madrid player ratings vs Benfica reflect a team far from their best. Despite world-class talent and moments of brilliance from Mbappe, Madrid’s lack of structure, ill-discipline, and tactical naiveté cost them dearly. Alvaro Arbeloa must regroup his squad, instill greater discipline, and rediscover the defensive solidity that has defined the club’s European pedigree if they are to advance further. The upcoming play-off will be a true test of Madrid’s resilience and ambitions in Europe.

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