Gakpo and Mac Allister Seal Liverpool’s Win Against Real Madrid – Player Ratings | OneFootball

Liverpool 2 – 0 Real Madrid – Champions League Player Ratings

The Champions League schedule resumed with a titanic encounter under the Anfield lights, between two of the biggest clubs in world football.

The line up and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Caoimhin Kelleher – 8.0

The Irish backup stopper started this game once more, as the Reds await the return of their Brazilian no.1, Alisson Becker. The handling and decision-making of the deputy was sound through a confident first half, with good use of the ball when at feet.

After the intermission, the 25-year-old was again the man who saved from the spot with a wonderful save, within a very mature performance.

Conor Bradley – 10.0

The backup right back started well and even managed to launch into a brilliant tackle on his world-class adversary, Kylian Mbappe. A more considerate approach was undertaken to ensure he did not leave one of the world’s best attackers free to roam, though as confidence grew, so did his want to explore the pitch.

Following the halftime break, the young Irishman was nearly the man to open the scoring with a great low header, before he laid off the ball brilliantly to set up Mac Allister for that first goal. An elite-level performance. Man of the match.

Subbed – 86 mins

Andy Robertson – 7.0

The Scotland international skipper was steady and confident in his work, with experience allowing for a fine first-half performance.

In the second half of this game, the popular fullback was guilty of a foul that led to a penalty, however, his overall game was solid and productive, whereas his delivery for the Red’s second goal was tremendous.

Ibrahima Konaté – 9.0

The France international defender was powerful and dominating, as he repelled anything that came his way.

After the break, the former RB Leipzig man was again a man mountain at the back and showed great composure whenever the game quickened up. Colossal in every sense of the word.

Virgil van Dijk – 9.0

The captain and leader of this team was commanding and combative in his work, as he organised all assets around him to ensure a first-half clean sheet.

After the break, the 33-year-old Anfield legend was even more authoritative and he was able to set the tone with his presence. Irreplaceable and must receive that new contract.

Ryan Gravenberch – 7.0

The Duch midfielder was a little unsure defensively as he struggled to maintain a world-class midfield adversary around him in the first half.

As the encounter resumed, the 6ft 3inch midfielder was better and more effective in his work, as he limited his forward runs to occupy space well.

Alexis Mac Allister – 9.0

The Argentina World Cup winner started this game with a desire to control and orchestrate patterns of play, which was undertaken to an elite level.

After the halftime team talk the midfielder was superb in creating and scoring the opening goal, as he looked to put his stamp on the occasion. A brilliant return to form.

Curtis Jones – 8.0

The esteemed academy graduate started with more license to carry the ball and invade the opposition zone. With good footwork and work-rate, he was able to control good areas of the pitch.

After the intermission, the twice-capped England man was very good and combative, as the game flowed through the famous stadium.

Subbed – 82 mins

Luis Díaz – 7.0

The Colombian flyer was busy and bright against a Real Madrid backline. His tussle with Valverde was enthralling, with the South Americans keen to halt each other whenever possible.

As the game resumed, the output of the former Porto man was a little subdued as he struggled to find space and time to exploit. Looked far more comfortable when moved into the middle and created the penalty with a clever pass to release Salah.

Darwin Núñez – 8.0

The Uruguayan forward started through the middle and was quite explosive in the first 45 minutes. The fleet-footed centre forward nearly scored early on, as he drove into the box before his well-hit strike was stopped low and brilliantly by Courtois. A further close-range effort was smothered by the giant keeper, whereas a great run and header bounced just past the far post,

After the restart, the former Benfica man was full of energy and played a key part in the offensive press.

Subbed – 66 mins

Mohamed Salah – 8.0

The Egyptian King was very lively and looked to work tirelessly on both sides of the pitch. His creation and movement were often sublime as he looked to make another impression in front of his beloved stadium of fans.

After the break, the former Chelsea man was too often surrounded, however, he never stopped wanting the ball and looking to attack his marker. Eventually, his work and penetrating style saw him fouled in the box, where the resulting penalty was superbly missed via the outside of the post.

Substitutions;

Cody Gakpo – 7.0 (on 66)

Came on to add a new element in the attack and powered home a wonderful header.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 6.0 (on 82)

Came on to add power running.

Joe Gomez 6.0 (on 86)

Came on to add experience.

The Manager;

Arne Slot – 10.0

The Dutch manager was keen to start a powerful team for this battle of the European heavyweights. The game plan was about control and breaking quickly, as his players all worked hard to make sure that they could remain competitive.

All the substitutions were effective and well-timed, as his side followed the script with great accuracy.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;

Liverpool 2 – 1 Real Madrid