In a gripping UEFA Champions League clash, Liverpool secured a pivotal 2-0 victory over Real Madrid, leaving fans buzzing and players reflecting on their performances. Here's a rundown of the player ratings based on their on-field impact during this highly anticipated match.

Thibaut Courtois - 7.5:

The standout player for Madrid, Courtois pulled off several remarkable saves, giving his team a fighting chance throughout the match. Despite the loss, his consistency in goal remains a comforting presence for the fans.

Fede Valverde - 6:

Assigned to the right-back role, Valverde did his job defensively but struggled to make an impact in attack. His lack of precise crossing and contribution in the final third might have hurt Madrid's efforts to equalize.

Raul Asencio - 7:

Proving his worth on the grand stage, Asencio battled valiantly against Liverpool's Darwin Nunez. His early goal-line clearance was a highlight, showcasing his determination, even as he contested such a high-intensity match.

Antonio Rudiger - 6:

With six clearances and a blocked shot, Rudiger's performance was solid, but the entire defense faced challenges against Liverpool's relentless attacks. Although they maintained a deep defensive block, breaking out proved troublesome.

Ferland Mendy - 5.5:

Mendy was defensively sound against Salah for most of the match. However, he fell for Salah's clever play, resulting in a penalty that changed the game's dynamics, leading to his swift substitution by Ancelotti.

Eduardo Camavinga - 8:

In what could be a bitter twist for Madrid fans, Camavinga shone brightly before sustaining another injury. His dribbling, passing range, and dominance in duels were pivotal, and his absence will be keenly felt moving forward.

Luka Modric - 6:

The veteran showed glimpses of his brilliance in the first half with key interceptions but faded in the second, reflecting Madrid's overall struggle to maintain pace with Liverpool's intensity.

Jude Bellingham - 6:

Bellingham showcased his ability to outmaneuver Gravenberch early in the match but was later restricted to a more defensive role, limiting his chances to influence the game.

Arda Guler - 4.5:

The young talent found himself overwhelmed on such a grand stage, struggling to cope with the physical demands of the match.

Brahim - 6.5:

With notable dribbling skills, Brahim showcased potential but lacked clarity in his role, inhibiting his ability to make a significant impact on the game’s outcome.

Kylian Mbappe - 2:

A night to forget for the French superstar, whose performance was notably subpar. The absence of Vinicius Junior placed pressure on Mbappe, but he failed to rise to the occasion, culminating in a missed penalty that could have altered the match’s trajectory.

Substitutions:

Lucas Vazquez - 7:

Played a crucial role by drawing the penalty, which Mbappe unfortunately missed. His contributions off the bench were critical in maintaining Madrid's offensive threats.

Dani Ceballos - 7:

Should Ceballos have started? His tactical awareness showed through with perfect passing accuracy and key tackles; he certainly impacted the game positively when on the field.

Fran Garcia - 6.5:

Garcia offered solid defensive cover and marked Salah effectively in one-on-one situations, showcasing his capability even when brought on as a substitute.

As the dust settles on this exciting Champions League encounter, both teams will be looking ahead. Liverpool celebrates a vital win, while Real Madrid must regroup, especially with the injury concerns surrounding key players like Camavinga. Will Madrid bounce back in their next fixture? Fans and analysts will be watching closely!