Manchester United vs Real Madrid: Player Ratings

A night that ended 1-1 was an absolute delight to behold. Heart-in-the-mouth stuff for the fan either way, there were moments that lifted one off one’s seat and there were others that left fans shaking their heads in disbelief.

Some players were adequate; others justified their transfer fees and wages with performances worth their weight in gold.

Real Madrid

MADRID, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 13: Karim Benzema (L) of Real Madrid stands with the ball ready to resume the game after conceding a goal during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg match between Real Madrid and Manchester United

David Lopez: Did what was asked of him but was largely untroubled. A good couple of saves to deny van Persie right at the end but did flap at a few corners. Could do nothing about Welbeck’s goal though. (6/10)

Alvaro Arbeloa: Largely anonymous for he did not have too much to do on the defensive side. Did tuck infield in an attempt to prevent Welbeck and Kagawa. Was beaten by Welbeck on a couple of occasions but was bailed out by Ramos. Could’ve offered more in attack. (6/10)

Varane: A performance that belied his tender years. Coped quite well with what United threw at him and came out with nothing but an enhanced reputation. Surely justified Mourinho’s faith in starting him ahead of Pepe. (8/10)

Sergio Ramos: A calm and commanding presence in the center assured Real supporters and the manager alike. Tried to join in the attacks but his play acting got van Persie booked very early on in the game. Allowed Welbeck to peel off him to score from the corner. (7/10)

Fabio Coentrao: Was a contant menace down the left, ably supporting Ronaldo and even managing to get quite a few shots off. It was off his shot that Real should’ve led if not for De Gea’s brilliance. (7/10)

Xabi Alonso: Pulled strings and was the puppet-master for the game, instigating many an attack with incisive through balls and long crossfield diagonals. Cleared off the line from van Persie right at the death. (7/10)

Sami Khedira: Joined in the attacks but also made sure that he provided support to Alonso. A workman-like performance, nothing spectacular though. (6/10)

Mezut Ozil: While most of the marking was focussed on Ronaldo, Ozil used the opportunity to run the line and link play up at the edge of the box. Was good but, at times, lacked that incisive killer ball. (7/10)

Angel Di Maria: Man of the match for Real, the Portuguese winger ran United’s defence inside out with runs down the wing and cutting into the centre. Was at the heart of almost everything good that Real mustered. (9/10)

Cristiano Ronaldo: It was always going to be an overwhelming occasion for the prodigal son but he showed no signs of being overawed by the occasion. He was good but as the game progressed, faded out ever so slightly. Took his goal with typical aplomb (7/10)

Karim Benzema: Was perhaps Real’s most average starter on the night. Did get involved with the play initially but as the game progressed, played deeper and deeper and hardly got a sight at goal. (5/10)

Substitutes:

Gonzalo Higuain: Came on for Benzema but failed to create too much of an impact. Somehow found himself out of position on the right in many attacks. (5/10)

Luka Modric: Clearly, the move to Spain has not gone according to plan and Modric looked nothing like the force that once tore United to shreds in England. (5/10)

Pepe: Came late on to provide more cover in the centre of midfield. Did not really have an impact on the game. (N/A)

Manchester United

MADRID, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 13: Robin van Persie of Manchester United applauds the fans at vthe final whistle during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg match between Real Madrid and Manchester United

David De Gea: Arguably his best performance in a United shirt, the lanky Spaniard repaid Sir Alex’s faith and patience with a majestic display. Among the many, two saves – one in the first half, tipping the ball onto the post, and one in the second, acrobatically saving with his leg – stand out. Surely one of United’s best performers on the night, if not the best. (9/10)

Rafael: Started shakily and picked up a booking fairly early on. However, as the game progressed, found his more sure footing and looked more assured. Joined in the attacks late on. (6/10)

Jonny Evans: Justified his selection in the team with another excellent display, helping keep Madrid’s midfield trio at bay with some excellent blocking and shielding. (8/10)

Rio Ferdinand: Showed his class, keeping calm and making sure that United did not lose the plot. Was found wanting on a couple of occasions but was ably helped out by his teammates. (6/10)

Patrice Evra: Another good-but-not-great performance by the stand-in captain. He was penned in by the Real attackers for large parts of the game but when he did go forward, provided able assistance down the left. Could’ve had a foul by Varane in the second half which would’ve resulted in the latter’s sending off. (6/10)

Michael Carrick: Played the destroyer to the hilt, nipping in and taking the ball away. Was always a ready outlet for anyone who had trouble with keeping possession. Tried a few expansive balls out to van Persie but did not come off. (6/10)

Phil Jones: Stuck to Ronaldo brilliantly, helping out Rafael and Rooney contain the Portuguese. Assured on the ball but did not have too many occasions to gallop forward in attack. (7/10)

Danny Welbeck: An excellent performance by the lanky Mancunian to repay the faith that Sir Alex put in him by starting with him. Took his goal with a superb header. Gave the Real back line problems with his pace all game long. (8/10)

Shinji Kagawa: Was a surprise selection in the eyes of many but turned in another workman-like performance. Was tidy on the ball and, in the first half, regularly looked to get beyond van Persie. Still to reach the heights of his Dortmund days though. (6/10)

Wayne Rooney: Took one more for the team. Played out on the wings for the most part, helping Rafael and Jones contain Ronaldo and Di Maria. Did have a couple of shots but nothing much to write home about. (6/10)

Robin van Persie: A very atypical performance in an atypical role by the Dutchman. For long periods, played with his back to goal, often in his own half. Helped United get away from their own half with some excellent hold up play and dribbling. Should’ve won the game for United right at the end. (7/10)

Substitutes:

Ryan Giggs: The grand old man came on to shore up the centre of the park. Had one attempt that he should’ve done better with. His most telling contribution was an excellent tackle at the edge of the United box. (5/10)

Antonio Valencia: Came on to provide more directness and also to help Rafael on the right. Had an average game. (5/10)

Anderson: Came on very late on and did not really have a chance to influence anything. (N/A)