Liverpool Vs Real Madrid 2018: Player Ratings

The 2018 Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid was a match filled with drama, controversy, and ultimately, heartbreak for Liverpool fans. Real Madrid secured their 13th title with a 3-1 victory. This article breaks down the player ratings for both teams, analyzing individual performances and key moments that shaped the outcome of the game.

Liverpool Player Ratings

Liverpool entered the final as the underdogs but with a potent attacking force that had terrorized defenses throughout the competition. However, key injuries and individual errors proved costly on the night. Let's delve into the ratings:

Loris Karius: 2/10

It's impossible to talk about this match without addressing Loris Karius's performance. Two calamitous errors effectively handed Real Madrid the Champions League trophy. The first, an inexplicable throw directly into Karim Benzema, resulted in the opening goal. The second, a failure to deal with Gareth Bale's long-range strike, sealed Liverpool's fate. Karius's nightmare performance is one of the most remembered in Champions League final history, and these errors overshadow any other aspect of the match. Goalkeeping errors at such a crucial stage are simply unforgivable. The psychological impact of these mistakes clearly affected the team's morale, making it incredibly difficult to recover. The aftermath saw Karius receive intense criticism and eventually leave Liverpool shortly after. While sympathy exists for any player enduring such a public failure, the reality is that his performance fundamentally altered the course of the final. The player ratings reflect the devastating impact of those errors.

Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6/10

The young right-back had a mixed game. While he showed glimpses of his attacking prowess, he also struggled defensively against the experienced Real Madrid attack. Alexander-Arnold's inexperience was sometimes exploited, and he found it challenging to contain the runs of Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo. However, his determination and willingness to get forward were commendable. His passing accuracy was decent, and he contributed to some promising attacking moves, especially in the first half. He demonstrated moments of brilliance with his crosses and through balls, showcasing his potential for growth. Defensively, he made some crucial tackles and interceptions, but his positioning was occasionally questionable. He also faced the difficult task of marking Cristiano Ronaldo, which tested his defensive capabilities significantly. Despite the challenges, his overall effort and commitment throughout the match were evident. His player ratings are a reflection of his potential and the learning experience gained from such a high-stakes game. This match undoubtedly provided valuable lessons for his future development as a top-class defender.

Virgil van Dijk: 7/10

Liverpool's defensive rock, Van Dijk, was arguably their best player on the night. He made several crucial interceptions and tackles, showcasing his composure and defensive ability. Van Dijk's presence provided a sense of security at the back, and he was instrumental in organizing the defense. He won numerous aerial duels and displayed excellent positional awareness. His leadership qualities were also evident as he constantly communicated with his teammates, attempting to maintain their focus amidst the pressure. Despite the goals conceded, Van Dijk cannot be blamed for the overall defensive shortcomings. He consistently made vital clearances and interceptions, preventing Real Madrid from extending their lead further. His calmness and composure under pressure were vital in keeping Liverpool in the game for as long as possible. The player ratings highlight his individual performance, recognizing his significant contribution despite the team's defeat. He remained a commanding figure throughout the match, solidifying his reputation as one of the world's best central defenders.

Dejan Lovren: 5/10

Lovren had a shaky performance, struggling to contain the Real Madrid attack. He was often caught out of position and made several questionable decisions. While he had moments of defensive solidity, his overall inconsistency was a liability for Liverpool. His partnership with Van Dijk was tested throughout the match, and the lack of coordination was sometimes evident. He struggled with the pace and movement of the Real Madrid forwards, particularly Benzema and Bale. He made some crucial tackles, but his overall defensive contribution was below par. His distribution from the back was also inconsistent, putting his team under pressure on several occasions. The player ratings reflect his mixed performance, highlighting both his strengths and weaknesses in a high-pressure environment. The game exposed some vulnerabilities in his defensive game, which ultimately contributed to the team's overall struggles.

Andrew Robertson: 6/10

Robertson, known for his energetic performances, provided a tireless effort on the left flank. He made several overlapping runs and delivered some dangerous crosses into the box. However, he was also kept busy defensively, dealing with the threat of Dani Carvajal and the Real Madrid attack. His defensive contribution was significant, making crucial tackles and interceptions. He also displayed his trademark energy, constantly pressing the opposition and tracking back to defend. His crossing accuracy was a valuable asset, creating several opportunities for his teammates. Defensively, he held his own against a formidable Real Madrid attack, limiting their effectiveness on the left flank. The player ratings acknowledge his energetic performance and his contribution to both attack and defense. He showed glimpses of his attacking flair and defensive resilience, making him a valuable asset to the team.

Jordan Henderson: 6/10

The Liverpool captain put in a decent shift in midfield, working tirelessly to win back possession and provide a link between defense and attack. Henderson's leadership and work rate were evident, but he lacked the creativity to unlock the Real Madrid defense. His passing was generally accurate, but he struggled to create clear-cut opportunities for his teammates. Defensively, he provided crucial cover for the back four, making important tackles and interceptions. His leadership qualities were evident as he constantly encouraged his teammates and tried to maintain their focus. However, he lacked the creative spark to truly influence the game's outcome. The player ratings reflect his solid performance, acknowledging his hard work and leadership qualities, but also highlighting his limitations in terms of creativity and attacking prowess.

James Milner: 5/10

Milner, known for his experience and versatility, started the game but struggled to impose himself on the match. He worked hard in midfield but lacked the pace and creativity to make a significant impact. His passing was generally accurate, but he didn't offer enough attacking threat. Defensively, he contributed with tackles and interceptions, but he was often bypassed by the Real Madrid midfield. His experience was valuable in maintaining the team's shape and discipline, but he ultimately lacked the dynamism to change the game's course. The player ratings acknowledge his effort and experience, but also reflect his limitations in terms of pace and creativity.

Georginio Wijnaldum: 5/10

Wijnaldum had a quiet game in midfield, failing to make a significant impact on either side of the ball. He struggled to win possession and didn't provide enough support to the attack. His passing was generally safe, but he lacked the creativity to unlock the Real Madrid defense. Defensively, he contributed with tackles and interceptions, but he was often outmuscled by the Real Madrid midfield. His overall performance was underwhelming, and he failed to make a noticeable contribution to the team's efforts. The player ratings reflect his quiet game and lack of impact on the match.

Mohamed Salah: 6/10

Salah's final was tragically cut short due to a controversial challenge by Sergio Ramos, resulting in a shoulder injury. Before his exit, he showed glimpses of his attacking threat, but he didn't have enough time to make a significant impact. His absence was a major blow for Liverpool, depriving them of their main attacking outlet. The incident with Ramos sparked widespread debate and controversy, with many believing it was a deliberate attempt to injure Salah. Before the injury, Salah had looked sharp and dangerous, threatening the Real Madrid defense with his pace and skill. His early departure significantly weakened Liverpool's attacking capabilities, making it more difficult to break down the Real Madrid defense. The player ratings reflect his limited involvement and the unfortunate circumstances surrounding his injury.

Roberto Firmino: 5/10

Firmino struggled to make an impact on the game, failing to create many opportunities for himself or his teammates. He was well-marshaled by the Real Madrid defense and didn't have enough space to operate effectively. His link-up play was generally good, but he lacked the cutting edge to break down the Real Madrid defense. He worked hard off the ball, pressing the opposition and trying to win back possession. However, his overall contribution was limited, and he failed to make a significant impact on the match. The player ratings reflect his quiet game and lack of attacking threat.

Sadio Mané: 7/10

Mané was Liverpool's brightest spark in attack, scoring their only goal and causing problems for the Real Madrid defense. His pace, skill, and determination were evident throughout the match. He took his goal well and continued to threaten the Real Madrid defense with his direct running and clever movement. He worked tirelessly off the ball, pressing the opposition and trying to create opportunities for his teammates. He was a constant threat to the Real Madrid defense and arguably Liverpool's best player on the night. The player ratings highlight his impressive performance and his contribution to the team's attack.

Substitutes:

• Adam Lallana (for Salah, 31'): 5/10 - Lallana came on early after Salah's injury but didn't offer the same attacking threat.
• Emre Can (for Milner, 83'): 5/10 - Can provided fresh legs in midfield but didn't have enough time to make a significant impact.
• Dominic Solanke (for Firmino, 90+3'): N/A - Solanke had very little time to influence the game.

Real Madrid Player Ratings

Real Madrid, the defending champions, showcased their experience and ruthlessness, capitalizing on Liverpool's mistakes to secure their third consecutive Champions League title. Here’s a look at their individual performances:

Keylor Navas: 6/10

Navas had a relatively quiet night, with Liverpool not creating many clear-cut chances. He made a few routine saves but wasn't seriously tested. His distribution was generally good, and he looked comfortable dealing with crosses and set-pieces. He commanded his area well and provided a sense of security for his defense. Although not heavily involved, he remained focused and alert throughout the match. The player ratings reflect his solid but unspectacular performance.

Dani Carvajal: 6/10

Carvajal was solid defensively before being forced off with an injury. He contained Robertson well and provided support to the attack. His defensive contribution was significant, making crucial tackles and interceptions. He also showed his attacking intent, making overlapping runs and delivering dangerous crosses into the box. However, his injury was a setback for Real Madrid, forcing them to reshuffle their defense. The player ratings reflect his solid performance before the injury.

Raphael Varane: 7/10

Varane had a strong game in central defense, dealing effectively with Liverpool's attacking threat. He made several crucial interceptions and tackles, showcasing his composure and defensive ability. He formed a solid partnership with Sergio Ramos, limiting Liverpool's attacking opportunities. His aerial presence was dominant, winning numerous headers and clearing dangerous crosses. He also displayed his excellent positional awareness, anticipating Liverpool's attacking moves and cutting them out effectively. The player ratings highlight his strong defensive performance and his contribution to Real Madrid's victory.

Sergio Ramos: 6/10

Ramos, as always, was a controversial figure. While he was solid defensively, his challenge on Salah drew widespread criticism. His gamesmanship and aggressive style were evident throughout the match. Defensively, he made several crucial tackles and interceptions, but his challenge on Salah overshadowed his overall performance. His leadership qualities were evident as he organized the defense and motivated his teammates. However, his actions on the field sparked debate and controversy, with many criticizing his approach. The player ratings reflect his mixed performance, acknowledging his defensive contribution but also highlighting the controversy surrounding his challenge on Salah.

Marcelo: 7/10

Marcelo was a constant threat down the left flank, providing a dynamic attacking outlet for Real Madrid. He made several overlapping runs and delivered dangerous crosses into the box. His defensive contribution was also significant, making crucial tackles and interceptions. He caused problems for the Liverpool defense with his pace, skill, and creativity. His attacking prowess was a valuable asset for Real Madrid, creating several opportunities for his teammates. The player ratings highlight his dynamic performance and his contribution to Real Madrid's attack.

Casemiro: 7/10

Casemiro provided a solid shield in front of the Real Madrid defense, breaking up play and winning back possession. His defensive work rate was exceptional, making crucial tackles and interceptions. He also contributed with his passing, distributing the ball effectively to his teammates. His presence in midfield provided a sense of security for the Real Madrid defense, allowing them to focus on containing Liverpool's attacking threat. The player ratings reflect his solid and dependable performance in midfield.

Toni Kroos: 7/10

Kroos controlled the midfield with his precise passing and excellent vision. He dictated the tempo of the game and created several opportunities for his teammates. His passing accuracy was exceptional, and he consistently found his teammates with pinpoint passes. He also contributed defensively, making crucial tackles and interceptions. His experience and composure were vital in controlling the midfield and dictating the flow of the game. The player ratings highlight his excellent performance in midfield and his contribution to Real Madrid's control of the game.

Luka Modrić: 7/10

Modrić, like Kroos, was instrumental in controlling the midfield. His dribbling, passing, and vision were all top-class. He created several opportunities for his teammates and contributed defensively with tackles and interceptions. His energy and creativity were a constant threat to the Liverpool defense. He worked tirelessly throughout the match, showcasing his exceptional skill and determination. The player ratings reflect his excellent performance in midfield and his contribution to Real Madrid's victory.

Isco: 6/10

Isco started the game but was replaced by Gareth Bale in the second half. He showed glimpses of his skill and creativity but didn't make a significant impact on the match. His passing was generally accurate, but he struggled to create clear-cut opportunities for his teammates. Defensively, he contributed with tackles and interceptions, but he was often outmuscled by the Liverpool midfield. The player ratings reflect his limited involvement and lack of impact on the match.

Karim Benzema: 8/10

Benzema capitalized on Karius's error to score the opening goal and was a constant threat to the Liverpool defense. His movement, link-up play, and finishing were all excellent. He worked tirelessly throughout the match, pressing the Liverpool defense and creating opportunities for his teammates. His goal was a crucial moment in the game, giving Real Madrid the lead and shifting the momentum in their favor. The player ratings highlight his excellent performance and his contribution to Real Madrid's victory.

Cristiano Ronaldo: 6/10

Ronaldo had a relatively quiet game by his standards, failing to score or create any clear-cut chances. He was well-marshaled by the Liverpool defense and didn't have enough space to operate effectively. However, his presence on the field was a constant threat to the Liverpool defense, and he drew the attention of several defenders. He worked hard off the ball, pressing the opposition and trying to create opportunities for his teammates. Despite not scoring, his overall contribution was valuable, and he helped to create space for his teammates to exploit. The player ratings reflect his quiet game but also acknowledge his overall contribution to the team's performance.

Substitutes:

• Gareth Bale (for Isco, 61'): 9/10 - Bale came on and scored two goals, including an incredible overhead kick, to seal the victory for Real Madrid. His impact was game-changing.
• Nacho (for Carvajal, 37'): 6/10 - Nacho came on early due to Carvajal's injury and provided a solid defensive performance.
• Marco Asensio (for Benzema, 89'): N/A - Asensio had very little time to influence the game.

Conclusion

The 2018 Champions League final will be remembered for Karius's errors, Salah's injury, and Bale's stunning goals. Real Madrid's experience and ruthlessness ultimately proved decisive, securing their 13th Champions League title. The player ratings reflect the individual performances that shaped the outcome of this unforgettable match.