Real Madrid hosted RB Leipzig tonight in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League tie. Heading into the match, Real Madrid held a 1-0 advantage but Carlo Ancelotti fielded his strongest possible lineup as he is never the type to rest on his laurels or become complacent. Albeit, it must be said there were some difficult to decipher tactical changes, but alas.
The game finished Real Madrid 1-1 RB Leipzig, an aggregate score of Real Madrid 2-1 RB Leipzig. It was a lacklustre first half from Real Madrid’s perspective, as the first half finished goalless. In truth, it seemed like no Real Madrid player understood the shape or what was required of them within the system.
The game did liven up in the second half and it needed to, from both team’s perspective. Vinicius Junior finished off an excellent counter attack from Toni Kroos and Jude Bellingham in the 65th minute. Quickly, though, this aggregate deficit was reduced back to one as Willi Orban headed home three minutes later for RB Leipzig.
Real Madrid player ratings vs RB Leipzig
Here are the Real Madrid player ratings vs RB Leipzig…
Andriy Lunin (6/10)
Given that RB Leipzig should have been chasing the win, Lunin probably expected to be busier between the sticks but he wasn’t left with nothing to do. Most notably, at the start of the second half when the Ukraine international was forced to mop up a mistake from his defenders. He did well to jump on the ball and deny what looked like an inevitable Leipzig goal.
There wasn’t much Lunin could do to prevent Orban’s goal but he will be ashamed not to get the clean sheet.
Dani Carvajal (6/10)
Almost played as a false-nine at times in the first half. I don’t think the tactical configuration was communicated by Carlo Ancelotti very well, especially to his full-backs. Overall, though, Carvajal did have a good game and he had many bright attacking involvements.
Antonio Rudiger (5.5/10)
It was nice to see Rudiger back in the starting eleven after he missed the 1st leg through injury. Real Madrid missed having the Germany international in the back-line, as his colossal presence and spatial awareness helped Los Blancos see out the game.
Nacho Fernandez (4/10)
Made some great clearances and won his duels well in the first half but he let himself down in the second half. Wearing the captains armband on the night, Nacho was beaten to the header which granted RB Leipzig the equaliser on the night. He should have done better.
Ferland Mendy (5/10)
Played some good passes and had some positive attacking involvements but he was not the best defensively. Still, this was not too detrimental as any attacking input in this dull match was appreciated more by the Real Madrid fans.
Aurelien Tchouameni (5/10)
Dictated the play well and carried out his midfield responsibilites quietly but effectively. My only criticism is that Tchouameni carried out some unnecessary fouls and lost a few too many duels.
Toni Kroos (7/10)
It was bizarre that Ancelotti had Kroos had on at the same time as Tchouameni as they carried out the same role. Kroos himself did show some moments of brilliance, though. He had many world-class touches and of course, he set up Jude Bellingham to inspire the counter-attack for Vini’s goal.
Eduardo Camavinga (4/10)
Struggled to keep possession a lot as he was either rushed in possession or made the wrong decisions. In fairness, every player has off-days and given the choice, he probably would’ve chosen to change positions anyway. Understandably, he was ajected at half-time
Federico Valverde (5/10)
In the first half, Valverde played as the right-winger in a tactical experiment from Carlo Ancelotti. He stood his own well but he welcomed returning to the midfield after Rodrygo came on and he had a much better second half.
Jude Bellingham (7/10)
Made some good late runs behind the Leipzig defence in the first half. It was an exceptional counter attack led by Jude Bellingham, who waited until the right moment to play a perfect pass to Vinicius, which gave Real Madrid a comfortable lead in this tie. Class players come up with class moments like that.
Vinicius Junior (6/10)
The best moments of play in the first half came when Vinicius Junior took a more direct approach and dribbled against the Leipzig back-line. However, he could’ve improved by getting in the box more often but still, this was just a product of the bizarre Carlo Ancelotti tactical shift.
The Brazilian came up with the opening goal in the tie after working well with Bellingham. A cool and collected finish from Vini.
SUB – Rodrygo (5/10)
Came on for Camavinga at half-time, which was a welcomed change. Real Madrid looked much better in attack when Rodrygo came on but admittedly, the productivity did not improve much until the 65th minute when Real Madrid scored.
