Real Madrid 3-1 Liverpool: Player Ratings

The most eagerly anticipated club football match of the season saw Real Madrid go up against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League final in Kiev.

Madrid were hoping to lift the trophy for an unbelievable fourth time in five seasons, while the English side reached the final for the first time since 2007.

A tight affair in the first half in which both teams were forced to make changes, as Mo Salah and Daniel Carvajal had to be substituted. Liverpool were the better team till the half-hour mark.

Karim Benzema had a goal disallowed as Ronaldo, who was offside had his shot saved by Navas.

Benzema gave the lead for Madrid in the first half following an error from Loris Karius and Sadio Mane equalized after just 4 minutes.

Gareth Bale was the man for the big occasion as he scored a brace to help Madrid lift an incredible fourth Champions League trophy in five seasons.

We look at how each player fared on the night:

Real Madrid:

Keylor Navas- 8/10

Another fine performance from the keeper who has been a man in form in the Champions League. Was always on alert and was quick to react. Produced great saves throughout the match and could've done little about the goal he conceded.

Dani Carvajal- 5/10

Not the best of outings for the Spaniard who sadly had to exit the game in the 35th minute. Except for a dodgy back pass, he did not put his foot wrong.

Raphael Varane- 7/10

A great night for the Frenchman who whose pace helped him to get the better of the Liverpool forwards. Made crucial interceptions and was solid throughout the game.

Sergio Ramos- 8/10

A captain's display form Ramos who commanded his line perfectly. Made important blocks to nullify the Liverpool threat and his expertise and know-how was there for everyone to see.

Marcelo- 8/10

Was wary not to get caught out of position and he was Madrid's brightest spark in the first few minutes. Once Salah got off, he became freer and provided the cross for Bale's incredible goal.

Luka Modric- 7/10

Modric did his job well and despite initial pressure from Liverpool, managed to bring balance to the Madrid's attack. A fine performance overall who did his defensive job well as well.

Casemiro- 7/10

Steady all evening, Casemiro did what he does best for the entirety of the game. Provided cover for his attackers and helped nullify any influence Liverpool can have from the center areas.

Toni Kroos- 6/10

Not one of his best evenings, Kroos found the going tough particularly in the first half, as he was given no space to influence the game from the deeper positions. Helped to assert their midfield dominance in the second half and his experience helped to see Liverpool through.

Isco- 5/10

Not one of the best nights for Isco, as he failed to make any noteworthy impact on the game. He had an effort that struck the crossbar and perhaps he should've done a bit better. Substituted at the hour mark.

Karim Benzema- 8/10

Perhaps Madrid's best player, definitely in the first half. Benzema was the liveliest player in the white jersey and spread the ball beautifully to switch the play. Had a goal disallowed in the first half and Zidane's decision to start him proved right.

Cristiano Ronaldo- 6/10

A quiet game from Madrid's main man who had to be content with half chances throughout the game. Looked desperate to find the back of the net and despite occasional moments of brilliance, failed to come up with the goods.

Substitutes:

Nacho- 6/10

Replaced Carvajal shortly after the half-hour mark and was solid for the most part of the game. Had an effort off target in the first half and Sadio Mane caused him problems occasionally

Gareth Bale- 10/10

Impact substitutions do not come better than this. Zidane brought him in to make an impact and my word, didn't he make it. An incredible bicycle kick to win the game for Real Madrid and a goal that will go down in history. Added a second in the 83 minute as Karius failed to hold his long-range effort.

Liverpool:

Loris Karius- 3/10

A disastrous game for the German whose rookie mistakes cost the game for Liverpool. This was perhaps their biggest night in a long, long time and a game in which Karius needed to bring his A game, but sadly that was not the case.

Trent Alexander Arnold- 6/10

A brilliant game form the 19-year-old who showed no nerves on the biggest stage. Was a constant thorn in Ronaldo's life and showed intent going forward as well. Could've done a tad better with his crosses but nevertheless, a solid outing.

Dejan Lovren- 6/10

An unlikely man who was an absolute rock in their games against Manchester City and Roma, Lovren did not do much wrong in the match. Got the better of Ramos when he assisted Mane's goal as well.

Virgil Van Dijk- 6/10

Was calm in possession and looked to take advantage of Madrid's lack of pressing, as he looked to initiate attacks from the deep. Defensively solid as well and got a chance early in the first half from a corner situation.

Andrew Robertson- 6/10

Did not have much of an impact he would have liked going forward, but had to make a couple of brilliant last-ditch tackles to stop Madrid from troubling Karius. A season of promise for the young left-back who looks to be a shrewd buy from Madrid.

Georgino Wijnaldum- 5/10

Did not provide much throughout the game and sometimes looked clueless in possession and was forced to look for a hopeful long ball.

Jordan Henderson- 6/10

Liverpool's captain put in a tremendous shift on the night, but despite his valiant efforts, he often had to come second best to his Madrid counterparts. Was Liverpool's deepest midfield player and helped steady the ship when things got intense. His influence faded in the second half.

James Milner- 6/10

Milner looked out of sorts particularly in the second half and very often had to cover the Madrid runners behind him, which negated his influence in Liverpool's final third. Was substituted in the 83rd minute

Mohammed Salah- 5/10

A sad night for the player who after a strong tackle from Ramos injured his shoulder and had to be substituted. He did not get any clear-cut chances prior to that but, was Liverpool's focal point in attack as usual.

Roberto Firmino- 6/10

Was lively in the first half but, the minute Salah went off the pitch, Firmino looked lost. He failed to take the responsibility in the Egyptian's absence and to make things tough for the Brazilian, his intelligent runs and movement were read well by the Madrid defenders.

Sadio Mane- 8/10

Liverpool's best player on the night who stepped up and many a time looked to be Liverpool's sole warrior. Was quick to react as he scored Liverpool's equalizer from a corner situation and had another effort which struck the outside of the post and went out. A good game for the winger.

Substitutes:

Adam Lallana- 5/10

Brought on for Salah after the half-hour mark, but failed to have any sort of influence over the game. Was lucky not to get punished for a fluffed clearance as Isco struck the resulting shot onto the crossbar.

Emre Can- N/A

Replaced Milner in the 83rd minute as Klopp looked to add more energy in midfield.

Edited by Akhilesh Tirumala