Player Ratings: Real Madrid 3-1 Atalanta
Goals from Karim Benzema, Sergio Ramos and Marco Asensio see Real Madrid book their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Karim Benzema opened the scoring after Luka Modric pounced on an error from Atalanta’s goalkeeper before assisting the Frenchman. Sergio Ramos then doubled Real Madrid’s lead from the penalty spot to make it 2-0 after Vinicus was brought down inside the 18-yard box.
Atalanta managed to score with a superb free-kick from Muriel to give the Italians a sliver of hope going into the last fifteen minutes. That hope didn’t last long as Marco Asensio scored Real Madrid’s third with his first touch to confirm Los Blancos’ spot in the last eight of this seasons Champions League. These are our player ratings:
Starting XI:
Thibaut Courtois: 7/10
A relatively quite night for Courtois. The Belgian was barely tested throughout the game up until Muriel scored and there was no stopping that goal.
Lucas Vazquez: 7/10
Lucas was given a more attacking role and it suited him well. The Galician played a big part in Real Madrid’s attacks and managed to assist Asensio for Los Blancos’ third goal.
Raphael Varane: 7/10
Not the most reassuring performance. Varane had a sloppy start to the game but improved in the second-half.
Sergio Ramos: 8/10
Nacho: 8/10
Ferland Mendy: 7/10
Despite not having the best of performances, Mendy didn’t lack work ethic. The Frenchman was up and down the left flank all night and didn’t shy from any tackles or challenges.
Toni Kroos: 8/10
Fede Valverde: 8/10
With Casemiro missing through suspension, it was down to Valverde to do most of the ‘dirty’ work in midfield. The Uruguayan put in plenty of hard work which allowed Modric and Kroos the chance to dictate the tempo of the game and play a little further up the field.
Luka Modric: 9/10
Another important game, another big performance from Modric. The Croatian was at the heart of everything positive for Real Madrid. It was him who pounced on an error from Atalanta’s goalkeeper to set up Benzema for the opener.
Karim Benzema: 8/10
Five goals in six Champions League matches this season. Karim Benzema has been in fantastic form this season and it was no different tonight. The difference maker in attack.
Vinicius Jr: 8/10
Substitutions:
Eder Militao: 6/10 – Came on to replace Sergio Ramos. It was Eder’s first appearance since the Copa exit to Alcoyano.
Rodrygo: 6/10 – Came on to replace Vinicius. The Brazilian added fresh legs to Real Madrid’s attack and came close to scoring on a number of occasions.
Asensio: 7/10 – Came on to replace Valverde and scored with his first touch. The perfect substitution.
