Real Madrid are through to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League after beating Benfica 2-1 (3-1 on aggregate) tonight. Alvaro Arbeloa's side were by no means at their best, especially Trent Alexander-Arnold, but they will face either Manchester City or Sporting CP in the next round.
Benfica took the lead through Rafa Silva in the 14th minute only for Aurelien Tchouameni to level with a fine strike. It just had to be Vinicius Junior who ensured his side eliminated the Portuguese giants when he struck an 80th minute winner.
Alexander-Arnold started and played the full 90 minutes at the Estadio Bernabeu. His defending came under scrutiny following the 2-1 loss to Osasuna last weekend, and he again struggled to convince tonight.
Ex-Liverpool man Joe Cole on Alexander-Arnold
Alexander-Arnold's playmaking brilliance is unquestionable and whenever he gets on the ball he looks like making something happen. Defensively is where doubts set in and there were several occasions when he was caught out against Benfica.
Joe Cole covered the game for TNT Sports and he gave a worrying verdict of the English right-back. The former Liverpool midfielder said:
"I know how good a player he is but these are the situations when you've got a six-time Champions League winner on the bench (Dani Carvajal) when you need to perform better."
Joleon Lescott, formerly of Manchester City, delved into Alexander-Arnold's struggles in duels:
" I think there's six potential duels and he doesn't cover himself in any glory. More crucial games will come up."
Alexander-Arnold made two interceptions, three clearances and three key passes. He didn't win a single one of his six ground duels which is concerning especially if Madrid come up against stronger opposition.
That might well be the case when the Champions League draw takes place on Friday morning. Arbeloa's side will meet either Manchester City or Sporting.
If they draw City they will enter that tie as underdogs given Pep Guardiola's boast a 2-1 win over Los Blancos earlier this season. Alexander-Arnold didn't play in that game but would have to deal with Jeremy Doku whose pace is a real problem.
Alexander-Arnold alarm bells
Alexander-Arnold joined Madrid as a free agent last summer after leaving Liverpool. He became a hero in front of the Kop but left on bitter terms due to fans feeling he abandoned the Reds.
When the Englishman was representing the Merseysiders he had the support of their passionate fanbase who defended his defensive vulnerabilities because of his incredible playmaking ability. But even some of their supporters have now admitted he was a concern with his back to goal and a pacey winger driving at him.
It's just something for Arbeloa to consider as Madrid look to end the season strongly. Coming up against a side like City could mean switching it up to a more defensive option like Carvajal although he hasn't been performing well this season.