REAL MADRID PLAYER RATINGS AS MBAPPÉ SCORES AN INJURY TIME WINNER TO HAND PSG THE WIN
I can't even explain how disappointed I am with Real Madrid and especially Carlo Ancelotti. You stay awake till 4 AM just to see your team get absolutely outplayed by a club which has been the centre of criticism throughout the season. Coming into this game, I was extremely confident as The Los Blancos were the clear favourites. Yes, Real madrid hasn't been performing that well in that last couple of games but I just thought that they would be too much to handle for a disjointed PSG side. I guess I forgot that there's a huge difference between the PSG that plays in Ligue 1 and the PSG that turns up in the Champions League. Credit where it's due, Pochettino's tactics were spot on as they dominated and were in complete control throughout the course of the game. Real Madrid couldn't even get a single shot on target, now that's embarrassing.
When the lineups were revealed and I saw the midfield that PSG were planning to field out, I just knew that there was no way we could win the midfield battle. As brilliant as Kroos and Modric are technically, they were always going to fall short against that PSG midfield in physical aspect. Real Madrid desperately needed the midfield presence of Valverde since the beginning of the game and he was substituted in the 82nd minute, but it was just too late for him to make an impact.
Ancelotti has to take the full blame because of his cowardly tactics and his reluctance to rotate the squad. It was like Real Madrid didn't even play to win. They were always looking for a draw and to be honest, PSG should've won by atleast a 3 goal margin. This match had everything that goes against the mentality of Real Madrid. Since when did this club start playing for a draw?!
Neymar Jr was substituted in the 73rd minute and he showed why he's a big match player. His influence in that match was second to only Mbappé and ultimately he was the one who provided the assist for the winning goal. Lionel Messi was playing as a false 9 and had one of his better games as he did create quite a few chances and his opportunity to score a goal came when Mbappe was brought down in the box by Carvajal and a penalty was awarded to PSG in the 62nd minute. Unfortunate for PSG as Courtois saved the penalty to keep his side in the game. It wasn't a great penalty by Messi and this may come to haunt his side if Real Madrid somehow manages to go through to the quarter finals.
Here are my player ratings from this incredible fixture:-
Thibaut Courtois- The best Real Madrid player by far. He did everything he could to keep his side in the game, especially with that penalty save. Provided a cover for the defensive blunders of Mendy and Carvajal. 9
Dani Carvajal- Arguably the worst Real Madrid player on the pitch as he couldn't even get close to containing Mbappé and went in for a rash challenge inside the box to give away a penalty. Mbappé blew him away with his physicality and pace. Was substituted in the second half for Vazquez. 2
Éder Militão- One of the few players who can leave Paris with their heads held high. He gave in everything he had by making countless last-ditch tackles to prevent PSG from scoring. 8
David Alaba- Was great defensively as quite often his well-timed tackles prevented PSG from scoring, however, we didn't really get to see his creative side today as mostly he opted for the safe passes only. 7.5
Mendy- Struggled to influence the game both attacking wise and defensively as well. Often took too long to make decisions and was overwhelmed by Hakimi's brilliance. Got a yellow card for a late tackle on Danilo and will therefore miss the secong leg. 3
Luka Modrić- Had his worst match of this season as he struggled to create anything and lost the duel against Verratti. Often seemed way too exhausted and definitely needs some rest to be at his usual best. 4
Casemiro- Had a decent game overall and was instrumental in containing messi to an extent. Finished the game with joint highest completed tackles. However, let his side down by getting a yellow card on a stupid challenge. 6
Toni Kroos- When Kroos starts misplacing passes, you know something is wrong. His worst performance of this season as he struggled to influence the game in any way possible. 4
Vinicius Jr- Had a really poor game as he was burdened with far too much defensive responsibilities and was pocketed by Achraf Hakimi on the offensive end. 3
Karim Benzema- Cant really say much about him as he wasn't 100% fit anyway. Apart from his one good peice of play in the 1st half, he was invisible. 2.5
Marco Asensio- Was in competition with Carvajal to see who the worst player could be. 0 shots, 0 key passes, 0 dribbles completed. 2
SUBSTITUTIONS
Lucaz Vázquez- Gave way too much space to Mbappé and was at fault for the goal. 3
Fede Valverde- Brought the legs and energy needed in this game and definitely could've done more if he had been given the chance. 6
Eden Hazard- N/A. 82nd minute substitution for Vinicius.
Rodrygo Goes- Was more active than Asensio but failed to make an impact. 4
Gareth Bale- N/A. 87th minute substitution for Benzema.
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