Real Madrid got their name etched on the most coveted trophy in Europe last night as they beat Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League to get crowned as the champions of Europe for a whooping 15th time.
With their recent history in the tournament, the Merengues were clear favorites in this match, and their superiority on paper also made some people expect them to be able to walk past over Borussia Dortmund in this game.
However, the Germans were the best team on the pitch, especially in the first half, and it was only in the second half that Los Blancos came to life and scored two past their rivals in the latter phases of the game.
While some of them had a quiet evening, other Real Madrid players were at their best as they took to this most important game of the season.
The following ratings reflect how the different Real Madrid players fared in this match:
Player Ratings:
Thibaut Courtois: 7.5
The Belgian kept out several shots from Borussia Dortmund and was able to keep his record of not conceding a goal since his return from injury intact.
Dani Carvajal: 9.0
It was an unforgettable night for the veteran fullback as he scored his first UCL goal of the season to open the scoring for his side in the 74th minute. Carvajal also came close to scoring on two other occasions and was reliable in defense, putting in a last-minute block to deny Adeyemi a goal in the first half.
Antonio Rudiger: 6.5
The center-back was not very effective in keeping Niclas Fullkrug as quiet as Real Madrid fans have expected from him. The German still made some important interceptions and clearances to keep Dortmund’s threat away from the goal on some occasions.
Nacho: 6.5
It was a difficult night for the Real Madrid captain as the Germans asked a lot of questions from him and Rudiger. However, things got better as the night grew, and reached a climax for Nacho when he lifted the UCL trophy as the team’s captain, after possibly his last game with Real Madrid.
Ferland Mendy: 7.0
The Frenchman was more composed than his colleagues in the Real Madrid defense in the first half. He was able to keep the dangerous Jadon Sancho quiet, and also supported Vinicius in attack at times.
Eduardo Camavinga: 7.5
He replaced Aurelien Tchouameni in the Real Madrid lineup and impressed with his tackling and coverage. Camavinga also contributed to the attack fairly well, especially as he dribbled well with the ball at his feet, and also came close to scoring with a long-range shot which was tipped over by Kobel.
Toni Kroos: 8.5
A final appearance that does justice to the career Toni Kroos has had. Marked his night with an assist as it was his corner delivery that led to the first goal from Carvajal’s header, and also provided other deliveries that could have ended up in the goal if not for Kobel’s saves. Kroos also had a great free-kick that was also saved by Kobel late in the second half.
Fede Valverde: 7.5
The Uruguayan had the difficult task of covering for Dani Carvajal, who spent a significant part of the game in the opposition half. In his characteristic style, he left everything on the pitch and showed incredible stamina to keep Real Madrid’s midfield full of energy till the last minute.
Jude Bellingham: 6.5
A rather quiet night for Bellingham in his home country, but he was still able to contribute with an assist for the second goal scored by Vinicius Junior after Ian Maatsen gifted him the ball near his own box.
Vinicius Junior: 8.5
Vinicius Junior was once again in his groove last night as he successfully completed 8 dribbles and kept the opposition defense on its toes. He also scored the second goal of the night to provide the much-needed cushion to Real Madrid in the 83rd minute, and thus got nearer to his first possible Balon d’Or.
Rodrygo: 6.0
The Brazilian was rather inconspicuous, especially in the first half, but improved somewhat after the break. He was still far from the level that Real Madrid fans have started to expect from him, especially in Champions League matches.
Substitutes:
Luka Modric: 6.0
Got on the pitch after the two goals had already been scored and replaced Toni Kroos as the latter put an end to his time at Real Madrid. The Croat did not have much time to impress, but still contributed as he led a counter-attack late in the game but was unable to combine with Vinicius to get a shot on goal.
Eder Militao: 6.0
Ancelotti introduced the Brazilian defender late in the game to help his team maintain the lead. Did not had much time to leave a mark but did make a key headed clearance and beat Malen when he threatened from the left wing.
Joselu: N/A
Not enough time to warrant a rating.
Lucas Vazquez: N/A
Not enough time to warrant a rating.
