Grades for the 5th CL matchday: Asencio brave, Mbappé disastrous

Starting XI

Thibaut Courtois

As expected, the Belgian was challenged more often in the first round than in his comeback at the weekend. With three saves – and the necessary luck in the fourth minute – he was a factor in the relatively confident first half from a defensive point of view. After the break, however, the picture changed from a real perspective. In the 51st minute of the game, the 1.99 meter chicken initially saved the Merengues from falling behind with a great save, only to have to reach behind them a few seconds later. At 0-2 the Belgian had no chance. In the final phase, the multiple world goalkeeper prevented even worse things from happening with good goalkeeping play and a world-class save against Díaz. REAL TOTAL-Note: 2.

Federico Valverde

While the Uruguayan was one of the shining heroes of the away win in LaLiga on Sunday, the crowd favorite experienced a bitter evening in the English port city. So he once again filled his role well on the unfamiliar right side of the defense and was able to take the reins in midfield in the final phase. Despite a decent performance, Valverde was unable to prevent the fully deserved defeat. REAL TOTAL-Note: 3.

Raul Asencio

Somewhat surprisingly, but by no means undeserved after the calm performance at the weekend, the youngster was allowed to step onto the big football stage at Anfield Road. The 21-year-old looked wide awake against the ball from the start and was just able to scrape the ball off the goal line in the early stages (4th). Asencio hardly had any action with the ball in the first 45 minutes, as Liverpool were the much more active team with around two thirds of possession. After the break, it became apparent early on that Asencio and Co. would flounder. At 0-1, both Asencio and Modrić didn’t look good and allowed Mac Allister to outdance them. After that, Asencio stabilized again and was one of Los Blancos’ most cautious defensively. REAL TOTAL-Note: 3,5.

Antonio Rüdiger

The veteran tried to be present, but repeatedly had problems recognizing and defending the “Reds'” deep routes in time and also did not always get the usual access in direct duels. Despite some clarifying actions, the German national player did not win any of his direct duels. An evening to forget for Rüdiger too! REAL TOTAL-Note: 4,5.

Ferland Mendy (until the 71st minute of the game)

For around 70 minutes, the French left-back delivered the top (defensive) game he had hoped for. The 29-year-old had Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah well under control with the support of those around him. In the 70th minute of the game he found himself (almost) isolated from the Egyptian as he ran backwards. When he wrong-footed the full-back and drew a foul in the penalty area, the resulting penalty was awarded. Salah put it next to the goal. Ancelotti then reacted and replaced the tired-looking Mendy. REAL TOTAL-Note: 4,5.

Eduardo Camavinga (until the 57th minute of the game)

Many successful counter-pressing moments, 89 percent won duels and two very dynamic dribbles – the Frenchman was without question the best Madrilenian on this sobering Wednesday evening. Due to his risky style of play in the transition game, Camavinga also had occasional ball losses in his game. Nevertheless, the crowd favorite always exuded the ability to pull the game towards the guests. It’s all the more bitter that the 22-year-old had to leave the field due to an injury in the 57th minute of the game – and thus joins the long list of injuries. REAL TOTAL-Note: 2.

Jude Bellingham

An unfortunate performance from the Englishman! The superstar seemed overwhelmed in many situations in his home country and was unable to bring his usual duel strength onto the pitch. Nevertheless, Bellingham worked until the end and fought back against defeat. However, the ex-Borussia player lost out to Mac Allister and Co. that evening. REAL TOTAL-Note: 4.

Luka Modrić (until the 79th minute of the game)

Complicated game for the “Abuelo”. So the Croatian tried to pull the strings in the midfield against an opponent that was simply more present that evening. The fact that the now 39-year-old managed “only” 52 ball touches in 79 minutes underlines the balance of power at Anfield Road. The fact that Modrić was involved in defensive mismatches for both goals (particularly in the header duel against Gakpo in the 0-2 loss) is also a clear sign of the Merengues’ defensive sleepiness that evening. REAL TOTAL-Note: 4.

Arda Güler (until the 57th minute of the game)

The Turkish top talent was one of the hardest-working Madrid players, but was unlucky at Anfield. He managed to finish four times, but missed all of his attempts. Nevertheless, Güler repeatedly attacked the depth and kept the Liverpool defense busy. Nevertheless, the youngster lacked the final precision in the final third, so his substitution did not come as a complete surprise. REAL TOTAL-Note: 3,5.

Kylian Mbappé

When the Frenchman started from the penalty spot in the 61st minute of the game, he could have turned the game early in the direction of the Whites. The fact that the 2018 world champion failed relatively miserably is a reflection of his rather rough early days at the Concha Espina. For the entire 90 minutes, the top transfer of the summer seemed clueless, unfocused and simply not like a player who can help Real Madrid at the moment. Particularly disappointing: After losing the ball, the superstar often appeared as if it was difficult for him to switch directly. Unfortunately a straight six. REAL TOTAL-Note: 6.

Brahim Diaz

The Spaniard tried very hard, wore himself out in the duels (won seven out of ten duels) and also tried to set offensive accents. Apart from a rather harmless conclusion, Brahim did not achieve much that was constructive. But the truth is that the people around him rarely put the dribbling artist in the spotlight. REAL TOTAL-Note: 4.