Player ratings from Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Gemain
Real Madrid was triumphant in Paris as they defeated PSG 5-2 on aggregate in the Round of 16. The squad was strong from the get-go and once they grabbed the lead, didn’t look back. Here’s a look at the player ratings.
Los Blancos have sealed yet another victory in the Champions League as they progress to the quarterfinals. Madrid has now made it past the Round of 16 for the eighth time in a row. The performance by Zidane’s men was an absolute masterclass in every third of the pitch.
In defense, all members of the back like were on top of their game from blocking shots. to intercepting crosses, and piercing through balls. The Real Madrid defenders were strong and assertive with only Sergio Ramos picking up a yellow card, of course. Wingbacks Dani Carvajal and Marcelo were clinical in their positions as they caused problems for PSG in both halves.
Zizou’s midfield formation with a flat four which helped stiffen the attack of PSG and lightened the load for their defensive teammates. The double pivot with Casemiro and Kovacic saw a fair number of the Parisians efforts intercepted. Out wide, Asensio took time to get into the groove and Vazquez picked up an assist.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema were paired up in the final third. Whilst the former scored a goal and led the attack, the latter was looking sluggish early on. Benzema squandered two one-on-one opportunities against Areola but that is a topic for this summer.
Real Madrid was not the favorites before this two-legged affair and even after a shocking win in the first-leg garnered a lot of pessimism. Madrid proved to everyone that it is not over until they say so. Here’s a look at the individual player ratings.
Defense
Keylor Navas – 8
Despite PSG’s wave after wave of attack, there really wasn’t much to do for Navas, as the Parisians faltered in their final third. Navas spent most of the time worrying about the seven corners and four set pieces awarded to PSG. The lone goal of the night for PSG, which was scored by Edison Cavani, was a sticky situation to criticize Navas for. Overall, Keylor stood strong when called upon.
Dani Carvajal – 8.5
Dani missed the first-leg in Madrid due to suspension but made sure he brought his A-game when he was eligible. He was kept busy as 35% of PSG’s attack came down his side. The Spaniard did very well to keep up and cover both Angel Di María as well as Kylian Mbappe. The wingback had seven tackles and five interceptions on the night.
Raphael Varane – 8
The Parisians flighted plenty of balls into the box in the first half but Varane was snuffing them out left and right. The Frenchman was quick on his feet as he tried to initiate a counter-attack with quick passing out of the back. Varane had four tackles and five clearances to show for.
Sergio Ramos – 8.5
The Capitan led by example as he showed off an incredible work rate. Ramos did well to stay out of trouble with clean and smart closing down of players always placing his hands behind his back as to not put any doubt in the minds of the referees. Of course, Ramos still managed to get himself booked. The Capitan now holds the record for most yellow cards in the Champions League at 33 bookings.
Marcelo – 8
Many were unsure if Marcelo would be fit in time for the match against PSG but his performance spoke for itself; he’s doing just fine. The Brazilian battled with the quick attack from Di María and Mbappe but did well to ensure his team’s success. Marcelo had six tackles on the night.