Player Ratings: Real Madrid 2 - 1 Benfica
Managing Madrid • • general
Key Points:
- Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Benfica at the Santiago Bernabéu, advancing to the next round thanks to individual quality and timely interventions.
- Key performers included Fede Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni, both delivering outstanding displays with Valverde providing two assists and Tchouaméni scoring the opening goal.
- Vinícius Jr. was a constant threat, causing problems for Benfica's defense and scoring the decisive goal in the second half.
- Thibaut Courtois made four crucial saves despite being left exposed by the defense, while Raúl Asencio suffered a serious injury and was stretchered off.
- Defensive performances were mixed, with some vulnerabilities noted in players
