Real Madrid 2-1 Atletico Madrid: Valverde 9.0, Rodrygo 8.5 | Player ratings | OneFootball

A local affair in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid saw the defending champions prevail at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg. Carlo Ancelotti’s men claimed an important 2-1 win before next Wednesday’s second leg at the Wanda Metropolitano, where they will look to secure their fifth successive quarter-final berth in the European Cup.

Los Blancos led early through a solid goal by Rodrygo Goes though Atletico Madrid hit back in the second half by as good a strike from Julian Alvarez. The home side made the most of its advantage in the second period, however, as Brahim Diaz scored after the restart to ensure they have a cushion to fall back on ahead of the upcoming, decisive fixture on rival territory.

It was a complete performance by the team, though not as much by Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior. Here is a look at how each individual did.

Player Ratings

Thibaut Courtois – 6.5/10

He was beaten by a brilliant hit by Alvarez but made a decent save off Antoine Griezmann’s effort in the second half. A relatively quiet night this time out but the Belgian will expect much more action in the return leg.

Federico Valverde – 9/10

Another Champions League night for Real Madrid was led by another fantastic showing by Valverde at right back. Besides assisting the first goal with a wonderful through ball, the Uruguayan was all over Samuel Lino when defending and had a huge impact offensively down the right flank.

Raul Asencio – 8/10

Asencio had a great game at the back as he won each one of his duels, made some crucial clearances and was alert to averting the danger from Atletico Madrid throughout the game.

Antonio Rudiger – 8/10

Rudiger also stood out beside Asencio. The German helped carry the ball forward nicely when in possession and imposed his physical presence over Griezmann whenever called into defensive action.

Ferland Mendy – 8/10

Mendy assisted Brahim for a second game in a row. The Frenchman is starting to come good offensively, while his performance at the back against Giuliano Simeone left little to complain about.

Aurelien Tchouameni – 8.5/10

Tchouameni had to deal with the creativity of Pablo Barrios and did so to good effect. The former Monaco star was not dribbled past even once, made three interceptions and seven recoveries to cap off an amazing individual display.

Eduardo Camavinga – 7.5/10

Camavinga had Rodrigo De Paul’s number as he won four duels against him and both his attempted tackles. His decision-making with the ball could have been more productive at times, however.

Brahim Diaz – 8.5/10

A match-winning strike by Brahim was the cherry on top of a great game at number 10. He linked the three attackers well, carried the ball into the final third nicely and did Jude Bellingham’s attacking duties without much fuss.

Rodrygo Goes – 8.5/10

Rodrygo was also on target for Real Madrid. He gave Javi Galan a tough time very early on and then some more in the second half, all while working hard without the ball, as he usually does.

Kylian Mbappe – 6/10

Mbappe seemed like a spectator for much of the game and had no noteworthy moment. His pass at the last minute to Vinicius could have been played a fraction earlier to make it 3-1 to the hosts.

Vinicius Junior – 6.5/10

He had some success against Marcos Llorente individually but unlike his usual self, Vinicius also failed to have the desired impact on the game across the 90 minutes he spent on the pitch.

Substitutes

Luka Modric – 8/10

Modric helped the team keep control of the ball when in front, while also helping defensively once Lucas Vazquez replaced Valverde. He created two chances too, both of which were not taken by the forwards.

Lucas Vazquez – 7/10

Vazquez came on and helped Real Madrid shut up shop in the final 10 minutes in what was an otherwise uneventful cameo off the bench.

Endrick – N/A

Endrick was on the pitch was the final stages of the game with not enough time on the clock to make an impact.