Liverpool Vs Real Madrid 2022: Player Ratings

The 2022 Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid was a match for the ages, filled with drama, tension, and moments of individual brilliance. Real Madrid emerged victorious, securing their 14th title, but how did each player perform on the night? Let's dive into a detailed analysis, providing player ratings for both sides.

Liverpool Player Ratings

Liverpool entered the final as slight favorites, having narrowly missed out on the Premier League title. Their attacking prowess and high-pressing style were expected to cause Real Madrid problems. However, Real Madrid's tactical setup and individual performances stifled Liverpool's key players. Here’s a look at how each Liverpool player fared:

Alisson Becker: 7/10

Alisson had a decent game, making a few important saves to keep Liverpool in the match. While he couldn't prevent Vinícius Júnior's goal, he wasn't at fault. His distribution was generally good, and he commanded his area well. Alisson's presence in goal is always reassuring for Liverpool, and he provided a sense of security at the back. Alisson's ability to read the game and come off his line to sweep up through balls is crucial to Liverpool's defensive strategy. He made a couple of outstanding saves, showcasing his agility and reflexes. Despite the defeat, Alisson can hold his head high, knowing he performed admirably.

Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6/10

Trent Alexander-Arnold faced a tough challenge against Vinícius Júnior. While he had moments going forward, his defensive vulnerabilities were exposed. Vinícius exploited the space behind him, leading to the winning goal. Trent's attacking output was limited compared to his usual standards. Trent's passing range and crossing ability are usually key weapons for Liverpool, but Real Madrid managed to keep him quiet. He needs to improve his defensive positioning and awareness in crucial matches like these. Overall, a mixed performance from the young full-back.

Ibrahima Konaté: 7.5/10

Ibrahima Konaté was arguably Liverpool’s best defender on the night. He made several crucial interceptions and tackles, keeping Karim Benzema relatively quiet. His physicality and pace were vital in dealing with Real Madrid’s attacks. Konaté's performance was a bright spot in Liverpool’s defense, showcasing his potential as a world-class center-back. He displayed composure and maturity beyond his years, making smart decisions under pressure. Konaté's ability to win aerial duels and read the game effectively made him a standout performer. He is definitely one for the future.

Virgil van Dijk: 7/10

Virgil van Dijk had a solid game, but he wasn't at his absolute best. He made some important clearances and tackles, but Real Madrid's attackers managed to find space behind the defense at times. Van Dijk's presence is always a calming influence, but even he couldn't prevent the decisive goal. Van Dijk's leadership and organizational skills are crucial to Liverpool's backline, but on this occasion, the defense as a whole struggled to contain Real Madrid's attack. He will be disappointed with the result, knowing he can perform at an even higher level.

Andrew Robertson: 6.5/10

Andrew Robertson put in his usual energetic performance, but his impact was limited. He worked tirelessly up and down the left flank, but his crosses didn't find their target consistently. Defensively, he was solid but not spectacular. Robertson's relentless running and commitment are always appreciated by Liverpool fans, but he needed to offer more quality in the final third. He faced a tough opponent in Dani Carvajal, who defended well and limited Robertson's attacking opportunities. Overall, a decent but unspectacular performance.

Fabinho: 6/10

Fabinho struggled to control the midfield as he usually does. Real Madrid's midfield trio of Kroos, Modrić, and Casemiro dominated the center of the park. Fabinho's passing was not as crisp as usual, and he was often caught out of position. Fabinho's defensive work rate is usually a key asset for Liverpool, but he couldn't disrupt Real Madrid's rhythm effectively. He needs to improve his decision-making and positional awareness in big games like these. A disappointing performance from a player who is usually so reliable.

Thiago Alcântara: 6.5/10

Thiago Alcântara showed flashes of brilliance, but he wasn't able to dictate the tempo of the game. His passing range and vision were evident, but he lacked the physical presence to dominate the midfield. Thiago's creativity and technical ability are valuable assets for Liverpool, but he needs to be more consistent in delivering top performances in crucial matches. He was often crowded out by Real Madrid's midfielders, who didn't give him time on the ball. A mixed performance from the Spanish midfielder.

Jordan Henderson: 6/10

Jordan Henderson put in a typically industrious performance, but he struggled to influence the game. His energy and work rate were commendable, but his passing was often sideways rather than forward. Henderson's leadership and determination are important for Liverpool, but he needed to offer more quality on the ball. He was outshone by Real Madrid's experienced midfield trio, who controlled the game effectively. A disappointing performance from the Liverpool captain.

Mohamed Salah: 7/10

Mohamed Salah was Liverpool’s biggest threat, but he was ultimately frustrated by Thibaut Courtois, who made several outstanding saves to deny him. Salah's pace and trickery caused Real Madrid problems, but he couldn't find a way past the Belgian goalkeeper. Salah's determination to score was evident, but Courtois was simply unbeatable on the night. He will be disappointed not to have made a greater impact on the game, but he can't be faulted for a lack of effort. A frustrating night for the Egyptian superstar.

Sadio Mané: 6.5/10

Sadio Mané had a quiet game by his standards. He had one excellent chance in the first half, but Courtois made a superb save to deny him. Mané's movement and work rate were good, but he didn't receive enough quality service. Mané's ability to create chances out of nothing is usually a key asset for Liverpool, but he was well-marshaled by Real Madrid's defense. He needed to be more clinical in front of goal. A relatively subdued performance from the Senegalese forward.

Luis Díaz: 6/10

Luis Díaz started brightly, but his influence waned as the game wore on. His pace and dribbling ability caused Real Madrid some problems, but he didn't produce the final product. Díaz's energy and enthusiasm are always welcome, but he needs to improve his decision-making in the final third. He was substituted in the second half, having failed to make a significant impact. A disappointing performance from the Colombian winger.

Substitutes

• Diogo Jota (6/10): Added some energy to the attack but didn't create any clear-cut chances.
• Roberto Firmino (6/10): Failed to make a significant impact after coming on.
• Naby Keïta (5.5/10): Gave the ball away a couple of times and didn't improve the midfield.

Real Madrid Player Ratings

Real Madrid, masters of the Champions League, once again demonstrated their resilience and tactical nous. Real Madrid's experience in big games shone through, as they absorbed Liverpool's pressure and struck at the opportune moment. Here’s how each Real Madrid player performed:

Thibaut Courtois: 10/10

Thibaut Courtois was the Man of the Match, producing a performance for the ages. He made nine saves, including several outstanding stops to deny Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané. Courtois's positioning, reflexes, and handling were all impeccable. Courtois' performance secured Real Madrid's victory and cemented his status as one of the world's best goalkeepers. This was arguably the greatest goalkeeping display in a Champions League final.

Dani Carvajal: 7.5/10

Dani Carvajal had a strong game, effectively containing Andrew Robertson and preventing him from creating chances. Carvajal's experience and defensive discipline were vital in keeping Liverpool's left flank quiet. Carvajal showed great determination and commitment, winning his individual battles and contributing to Real Madrid's defensive solidity. He also made some important interceptions and tackles. A reliable performance from the veteran full-back.

Éder Militão: 7/10

Éder Militão had a solid game alongside David Alaba, keeping Liverpool's attackers at bay. His physicality and aerial ability were important in dealing with Liverpool's crosses and set-pieces. Militão's partnership with Alaba has been a key factor in Real Madrid's defensive success this season. He made some crucial clearances and tackles, showcasing his defensive prowess. A dependable performance from the Brazilian center-back.

David Alaba: 7/10

David Alaba brought his experience to the heart of the Real Madrid defense, organizing the backline and making important interceptions. Alaba's composure on the ball and ability to play out from the back were also valuable assets. Alaba's leadership and tactical awareness were evident throughout the game. He formed a solid partnership with Militão, frustrating Liverpool's attacking efforts. A composed and assured performance from the Austrian defender.

Ferland Mendy: 6.5/10

Ferland Mendy had a decent game, but he was occasionally troubled by Mohamed Salah's pace and trickery. Mendy's defensive work rate was good, but he didn't offer as much going forward as Carvajal on the other flank. Mendy's primary focus was on defending, and he did a reasonable job of containing Salah. He needs to improve his attacking output to become a more complete full-back. A solid but unspectacular performance.

Casemiro: 8/10

Casemiro was outstanding in midfield, providing a shield for the defense and breaking up Liverpool's attacks. His tackling, interceptions, and positional awareness were all exceptional. Casemiro's presence in midfield allowed Kroos and Modrić to focus on creating chances. He won numerous tackles and interceptions, disrupting Liverpool's rhythm and preventing them from building sustained attacks. A dominant performance from the Brazilian midfielder.

Toni Kroos: 7.5/10

Toni Kroos dictated the tempo of the game with his precise passing and intelligent movement. Kroos's ability to control possession and find space was crucial in Real Madrid's midfield dominance. Kroos' experience and composure were evident throughout the match. He sprayed passes all over the field, keeping Liverpool's midfield chasing shadows. A masterful performance from the German maestro.

Luka Modrić: 7.5/10

Luka Modrić showed his class and experience in midfield, linking the play between defense and attack. Modrić's vision, passing, and dribbling skills were all on display. Modrić's ability to create chances and unlock defenses is still remarkable at his age. He provided the assist for Vinícius Júnior's goal, showcasing his creativity and vision. A vintage performance from the Croatian legend.

Federico Valverde: 7/10

Federico Valverde put in a tireless performance on the right wing, tracking back to help defend and providing an outlet in attack. Valverde's energy and work rate were crucial in Real Madrid's tactical setup. Valverde's versatility and commitment make him a valuable asset for Real Madrid. He provided the assist for Vinícius Júnior's goal, driving forward with pace and delivering a pinpoint cross. A valuable contribution from the Uruguayan midfielder.

Karim Benzema: 6.5/10

Karim Benzema had a relatively quiet game by his standards, but his presence up front still caused Liverpool problems. Benzema's movement and hold-up play were important in linking the midfield and attack. Benzema's experience and clinical finishing are always a threat, but he was well-marshaled by Liverpool's defense on this occasion. He had a goal disallowed in the first half, but he continued to work hard for the team. A subdued performance from the Ballon d'Or favorite.

Vinícius Júnior: 8.5/10

Vinícius Júnior scored the winning goal and was a constant threat to Liverpool's defense. His pace, dribbling, and finishing were all outstanding. Vinícius' performance justified his growing reputation as one of the world's best young players. He exploited the space behind Trent Alexander-Arnold and finished his goal with composure. A match-winning performance from the Brazilian winger.

Substitutes

• Eduardo Camavinga (6/10): Added some energy to the midfield but didn't make a significant impact.
• Dani Ceballos (N/A): Came on too late to be rated.
• Rodrygo (N/A): Came on too late to be rated.

Conclusion

Real Madrid's experience and clinical finishing proved to be the difference in a tightly contested final. Thibaut Courtois's heroic performance in goal ensured that Liverpool's attacking efforts were in vain. While Liverpool had their moments, they were ultimately unable to break down Real Madrid's resilient defense. This match will be remembered as a classic Champions League final, showcasing the best of European football.