Liverpool Vs Real Madrid 2018: Player Ratings & Analysis

Oct 31, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 57 views

The 2018 Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid is a match etched in football history, filled with memorable moments, controversial decisions, and stellar (or not-so-stellar) performances. Let's dive deep into the player ratings and analyze how each player fared on that fateful night in Kyiv.

Liverpool Player Ratings

Liverpool entered the final as the underdogs, but their electrifying attack had captivated audiences throughout the competition. How did their key players perform on the biggest stage?

Loris Karius: 2/10

Ah, Karius. Where do we even begin? This match will forever haunt his career. Two horrendous errors gifted Real Madrid the victory. The first, an inexplicable underarm throw directly into Karim Benzema, and the second, a fumble from Gareth Bale's long-range strike. It's harsh, but impossible to sugarcoat such a disastrous performance. His confidence was visibly shattered, and the game effectively ended with his mistakes. While sympathy exists for the individual, the reality is that goalkeeping errors of this magnitude are simply unforgivable in a Champions League final. Karius's nightmare in Kyiv will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the worst goalkeeping performances in the history of the competition. The psychological impact of these errors likely extended far beyond this single match, potentially affecting his career trajectory. One can only imagine the immense pressure and scrutiny he faced in the aftermath, a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of top-level football. The errors overshadowed any potential positives, making it difficult to assess any other aspects of his game on that night. Ultimately, Karius's performance became a symbol of Liverpool's heartbreak and Real Madrid's triumph, a narrative that continues to resonate years later.

Trent Alexander-Arnold: 7/10

The young full-back showed maturity beyond his years. He defended bravely against Cristiano Ronaldo and offered a threat going forward. Alexander-Arnold's performance was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing night for Liverpool. His defensive work rate was commendable, and he displayed impressive composure under immense pressure. While Ronaldo did have some moments of brilliance, Alexander-Arnold largely contained him, showcasing his potential as one of the world's best right-backs. His forward runs provided Liverpool with an outlet, and his crossing ability created some dangerous opportunities. He demonstrated a willingness to take on responsibility and a level of tactical awareness that belied his age. Although the result didn't go Liverpool's way, Alexander-Arnold's performance was a testament to his talent and determination. This match served as a valuable learning experience for the young defender, providing him with a taste of the highest level of competition. His ability to bounce back from this defeat and continue his development into a world-class player is a testament to his mental fortitude. The experience gained in this final undoubtedly contributed to his future success and cemented his place as a key player for Liverpool. Despite the overall disappointment, Alexander-Arnold emerged from the match with his reputation enhanced, proving that he could handle the pressure of a Champions League final.

Virgil van Dijk: 7.5/10

A commanding presence at the back. Van Dijk organized the defense well and made several crucial interceptions. His aerial ability was vital in dealing with Real Madrid's crosses. Van Dijk's performance was a clear demonstration of his leadership and defensive prowess. He exuded confidence and provided a sense of calm amidst the chaos. His positioning and anticipation were excellent, allowing him to snuff out numerous Real Madrid attacks. He also displayed his passing range, initiating several Liverpool counter-attacks with his accurate long balls. While he couldn't prevent all of Real Madrid's goals, his presence undoubtedly minimized the damage. Van Dijk's impact on the Liverpool defense since his arrival had been transformative, and this match highlighted his importance to the team. He was a vocal presence on the pitch, constantly communicating with his teammates and organizing the defensive line. Despite the defeat, Van Dijk's performance solidified his reputation as one of the best defenders in the world. His ability to read the game, his physical strength, and his aerial dominance made him a formidable opponent for any attacker. The experience of playing in a Champions League final, even in defeat, would have further honed his skills and strengthened his resolve. Van Dijk's performance was a testament to his dedication and his commitment to excellence, showcasing why he is considered a world-class defender.

Dejan Lovren: 6.5/10

Lovren had a decent game alongside Van Dijk. He was strong in the tackle and made some important clearances. However, he was occasionally caught out of position. Lovren's performance was solid, although not without its flaws. He formed a decent partnership with Van Dijk, but there were moments where his lack of pace was exposed. He made some crucial interceptions and tackles, but also had instances of poor decision-making. His distribution was sometimes erratic, putting Liverpool under pressure. While he wasn't a major liability, he also didn't inspire the same level of confidence as Van Dijk. Overall, Lovren's performance was adequate, but it highlighted the need for Liverpool to further strengthen their defensive options. He battled hard and showed commitment, but ultimately fell short of the standard required to win a Champions League final. The experience would have undoubtedly provided him with valuable lessons, but also exposed his limitations. His performance served as a reminder of the importance of consistency and reliability in central defense. While he contributed to Liverpool's journey to the final, his performance on the night was not enough to prevent Real Madrid from lifting the trophy. Lovren's efforts were commendable, but his inconsistencies ultimately held him back from reaching his full potential.

Andrew Robertson: 7/10

Robertson was energetic and tenacious on the left flank. He provided a good outlet for Liverpool's attacks and defended well against Gareth Bale. Robertson's performance was a testament to his tireless work rate and his unwavering commitment. He covered every blade of grass, both defensively and offensively. His overlapping runs created space for Sadio Mané, and his crossing ability caused problems for the Real Madrid defense. He also showed great determination in tracking back and making crucial tackles. Robertson's energy and enthusiasm were infectious, inspiring his teammates to push forward. He demonstrated his versatility and adaptability, proving himself to be a valuable asset to the Liverpool team. Despite the defeat, Robertson's performance was a clear indication of his potential and his determination to succeed. This match served as a valuable learning experience for the young left-back, further solidifying his place as a key player for Liverpool. His ability to bounce back from this disappointment and continue his development into one of the world's best left-backs is a testament to his mental strength. The experience gained in this final undoubtedly contributed to his future success and cemented his reputation as a reliable and consistent performer. Overall, Robertson's performance was a positive one, highlighting his importance to the Liverpool team and showcasing his potential for future greatness.

Jordan Henderson: 6/10

Henderson worked tirelessly in midfield but struggled to control the game against Real Madrid's experienced midfielders. His passing was often sideways, lacking the incisiveness needed to unlock the defense. Henderson's performance was characterized by his relentless effort and his unwavering commitment to the team. However, he struggled to impose himself on the game against a dominant Real Madrid midfield. His passing was often safe and predictable, failing to create many clear-cut opportunities for Liverpool's attackers. He worked tirelessly to close down space and win back possession, but was often overrun by the likes of Modric and Kroos. While his leadership and determination were commendable, his lack of creativity and attacking threat limited Liverpool's ability to break down the Real Madrid defense. Overall, Henderson's performance was solid but unspectacular, highlighting the need for Liverpool to add more dynamism and creativity to their midfield. He battled hard and showed resilience, but ultimately fell short of the standard required to win a Champions League final. The experience would have undoubtedly provided him with valuable lessons, but also exposed his limitations against world-class opposition. His performance served as a reminder of the importance of having a balanced midfield capable of both defending and attacking effectively. While he contributed to Liverpool's journey to the final, his performance on the night was not enough to prevent Real Madrid from lifting the trophy. Henderson's efforts were commendable, but his lack of creative spark ultimately hindered Liverpool's chances of success.

James Milner: 6/10

Milner put in a solid shift in midfield, providing energy and experience. However, he was also unable to exert significant control over the game. Milner's performance was typical of his consistent and reliable style. He worked hard, tackled fiercely, and provided a calming presence in midfield. However, he lacked the creativity and flair to unlock the Real Madrid defense. His passing was accurate but rarely incisive, and he struggled to create goal-scoring opportunities. While his experience was valuable, he was ultimately unable to match the quality and dynamism of the Real Madrid midfielders. Overall, Milner's performance was solid but unspectacular, highlighting the need for Liverpool to add more attacking threat to their midfield. He battled hard and showed commitment, but ultimately fell short of the standard required to win a Champions League final. The experience would have undoubtedly provided him with valuable lessons, but also exposed his limitations against world-class opposition. His performance served as a reminder of the importance of having a balanced midfield capable of both defending and attacking effectively. While he contributed to Liverpool's journey to the final, his performance on the night was not enough to prevent Real Madrid from lifting the trophy. Milner's efforts were commendable, but his lack of creative spark ultimately hindered Liverpool's chances of success.

Georginio Wijnaldum: 5.5/10

Wijnaldum failed to make a significant impact on the game. He was largely anonymous in midfield and offered little in attack or defense. Wijnaldum's performance was disappointing, especially considering his potential and his importance to the Liverpool team. He struggled to find space in midfield and was often crowded out by the Real Madrid players. His passing was uninspired, and he failed to create any meaningful chances for his teammates. He also lacked his usual energy and dynamism, failing to contribute effectively in either attack or defense. Overall, Wijnaldum's performance was a major letdown, highlighting the need for him to step up in crucial matches. He struggled to impose himself on the game and failed to make a significant impact. The experience would have undoubtedly been a learning one for him, but also exposed his inconsistencies. His performance served as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a high level of performance in every game, especially in high-pressure situations. While he contributed to Liverpool's journey to the final, his performance on the night was not enough to help his team secure victory. Wijnaldum's quiet performance ultimately hindered Liverpool's chances of success.

Mohamed Salah: 6/10 (injured early)

Salah's injury was a massive blow to Liverpool. Before his unfortunate exit, he looked sharp and dangerous. His early departure completely changed the complexion of the game. Salah's early injury was a devastating blow for Liverpool, robbing them of their talismanic forward. Before being forced off the pitch, he looked sharp and dangerous, causing problems for the Real Madrid defense. His pace, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability were a constant threat, and his absence significantly weakened Liverpool's attack. The incident with Sergio Ramos sparked controversy and debate, but regardless of intent, Salah's injury had a profound impact on the game. Without their star player, Liverpool lost their attacking edge and struggled to break down the Real Madrid defense. The psychological impact of his injury also cannot be underestimated, as it undoubtedly affected the morale of the Liverpool players. Overall, Salah's early exit was a turning point in the match, severely hindering Liverpool's chances of success. His absence was a major blow, and Liverpool never truly recovered from it. The game served as a stark reminder of the importance of key players and the devastating impact that injuries can have on a team's performance. Salah's unfortunate injury will forever be linked to this Champions League final, a symbol of what might have been for Liverpool.

Sadio Mané: 8/10

Mané was Liverpool's best attacker on the night. He scored a well-taken goal and caused Real Madrid's defense all sorts of problems with his pace and trickery. Mané's performance was a shining light in an otherwise dark night for Liverpool. He was a constant threat to the Real Madrid defense, using his pace, trickery, and determination to create opportunities. His goal was a well-deserved reward for his efforts, and he continued to battle tirelessly even after Liverpool fell behind. He showcased his world-class talent and his ability to perform under pressure. Despite the defeat, Mané's performance was a testament to his quality and his importance to the Liverpool team. He demonstrated his versatility and adaptability, proving himself to be a valuable asset in both attack and defense. His energy and enthusiasm were infectious, inspiring his teammates to push forward. Overall, Mané's performance was a positive one, highlighting his importance to the Liverpool team and showcasing his potential for future greatness. He was a constant threat to the Real Madrid defense and never gave up, even when the odds were stacked against him. His performance was a reminder of his world-class talent and his unwavering commitment to the team.

Roberto Firmino: 6/10

Firmino worked hard but struggled to find space against Real Madrid's organized defense. He didn't have much of an impact on the game. Firmino's performance was subdued, failing to make his usual impact on the game. He struggled to find space against a well-organized Real Madrid defense and was often crowded out by the opposition midfielders. His passing was uninspired, and he failed to create any clear-cut opportunities for his teammates. While he worked hard and pressed the Real Madrid defenders, he lacked the sharpness and creativity to unlock their defense. Overall, Firmino's performance was a disappointment, highlighting the need for him to step up in crucial matches. He struggled to impose himself on the game and failed to make a significant impact. The experience would have undoubtedly been a learning one for him, but also exposed his limitations against top-quality opposition. His performance served as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a high level of performance in every game, especially in high-pressure situations. While he contributed to Liverpool's journey to the final, his performance on the night was not enough to help his team secure victory. Firmino's quiet performance ultimately hindered Liverpool's chances of success.

Substitutes

Adam Lallana (for Salah, 31'): 5/10 - Offered little after coming on.
Emre Can (for Milner, 83'): N/A - Too late to make an impact.

Real Madrid Player Ratings

Real Madrid, aiming for their third consecutive Champions League title, boasted a team full of seasoned veterans. How did their stars perform?

Keylor Navas: 7/10

Navas made some important saves, particularly in the first half, and commanded his area well. He wasn't at fault for either of Liverpool's goals. Navas' performance was solid and reliable, providing a sense of security for the Real Madrid defense. He made several crucial saves, particularly in the first half, to keep Liverpool at bay. His distribution was accurate, and he commanded his area with confidence. While he couldn't prevent Liverpool from scoring twice, he wasn't at fault for either goal. Overall, Navas's performance was a valuable contribution to Real Madrid's victory, showcasing his experience and his ability to perform under pressure. He demonstrated his shot-stopping ability and his composure, proving himself to be a reliable goalkeeper. The experience of playing in a Champions League final, and winning, would have further boosted his confidence and solidified his reputation as a top-class goalkeeper. His performance was a testament to his dedication and his commitment to excellence, showcasing why he is considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Navas's solid performance played a crucial role in Real Madrid's triumph, providing a strong foundation for their attack to flourish.

Dani Carvajal: 6/10 (injured)

Carvajal was having a decent game before being forced off with an injury. He defended well against Sadio Mané but his injury was a blow for Real Madrid. Carvajal's early injury was a setback for Real Madrid, disrupting their defensive stability. Before being forced off the pitch, he was having a solid game, defending well against Sadio Mané and providing a threat going forward. His energy and determination were evident, and his absence was felt by the Real Madrid team. The injury forced Zidane to make an early substitution, disrupting the team's rhythm. Overall, Carvajal's early exit was a blow for Real Madrid, although they were able to adapt and overcome his absence. His performance was solid before the injury, showcasing his defensive capabilities and his contribution to the team's overall performance. The game served as a reminder of the importance of squad depth and the ability to adapt to unexpected circumstances. Carvajal's unfortunate injury will forever be linked to this Champions League final, a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football.

Raphael Varane: 7/10

Varane was solid at the back, making several important interceptions and tackles. He formed a good partnership with Sergio Ramos. Varane's performance was a display of his defensive prowess and his composure under pressure. He made numerous crucial interceptions and tackles, thwarting Liverpool's attacks. His partnership with Sergio Ramos was solid, providing a strong foundation for the Real Madrid defense. He showcased his reading of the game and his ability to anticipate danger, effectively snuffing out Liverpool's attacking threats. Overall, Varane's performance was a valuable contribution to Real Madrid's victory, showcasing his world-class talent and his reliability in crucial moments. He demonstrated his defensive capabilities and his ability to perform under pressure, proving himself to be one of the best defenders in the world. The experience of playing in a Champions League final, and winning, would have further boosted his confidence and solidified his reputation as a top-class defender. His performance was a testament to his dedication and his commitment to excellence, showcasing why he is considered one of the best in the world. Varane's solid performance played a crucial role in Real Madrid's triumph, providing a strong defensive foundation for their attack to flourish.

Sergio Ramos: 6.5/10

Ramos was his usual combative self, making several important challenges. However, his challenge on Salah was controversial and potentially game-changing. Ramos's performance was characterized by his usual mix of brilliance and controversy. He made several important challenges and interceptions, showcasing his defensive prowess and his leadership qualities. However, his challenge on Mohamed Salah was a major talking point, potentially injuring the Liverpool star and changing the course of the game. The intent behind the challenge was debated, but the impact on the game was undeniable. Ramos's combative style often toes the line, and this incident highlighted the risks associated with his aggressive approach. Overall, Ramos's performance was a mixed bag, showcasing his strengths and weaknesses. He contributed to Real Madrid's victory, but his challenge on Salah will forever be linked to this Champions League final. The game served as a reminder of the fine line between aggression and recklessness, and the potential consequences of overstepping the mark. Ramos's performance was a testament to his competitive spirit, but also a reminder of the importance of maintaining discipline and control.

Marcelo: 7/10

Marcelo was a constant threat going forward and provided a good outlet on the left flank. However, he was occasionally caught out defensively. Marcelo's performance was a showcase of his attacking flair and his ability to create chances from the left flank. He was a constant threat going forward, providing a good outlet for Real Madrid's attacks. His dribbling skills and his crossing ability caused problems for the Liverpool defense. However, he was occasionally caught out defensively, leaving space for Liverpool to exploit. Overall, Marcelo's performance was a valuable contribution to Real Madrid's victory, showcasing his attacking talent and his ability to influence the game. He demonstrated his flair and his creativity, proving himself to be one of the best attacking full-backs in the world. The experience of playing in a Champions League final, and winning, would have further boosted his confidence and solidified his reputation as a top-class player. His performance was a testament to his dedication and his commitment to excellence, showcasing why he is considered one of the best in the world. Marcelo's attacking prowess played a crucial role in Real Madrid's triumph, providing a constant threat to the Liverpool defense.

Casemiro: 7.5/10

Casemiro provided a solid shield in front of the defense, breaking up Liverpool's attacks and winning back possession. Casemiro's performance was a masterclass in defensive midfield play. He provided a solid shield in front of the Real Madrid defense, breaking up Liverpool's attacks and winning back possession. His tackling was impeccable, and his positioning was excellent, effectively nullifying Liverpool's attacking threats. He also contributed to Real Madrid's build-up play with his accurate passing. Overall, Casemiro's performance was a crucial factor in Real Madrid's victory, showcasing his importance to the team and his ability to control the midfield. He demonstrated his defensive prowess and his tactical awareness, proving himself to be one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. The experience of playing in a Champions League final, and winning, would have further boosted his confidence and solidified his reputation as a top-class player. His performance was a testament to his dedication and his commitment to excellence, showcasing why he is considered one of the best in the world. Casemiro's dominance in midfield played a crucial role in Real Madrid's triumph, providing a solid foundation for their attack to flourish.

Toni Kroos: 7.5/10

Kroos controlled the tempo of the game with his precise passing and intelligent movement. He was a calming influence in midfield. Kroos' performance was a testament to his world-class passing range and his ability to dictate the tempo of the game. He controlled the midfield with his precise passing and his intelligent movement, providing a calming influence for Real Madrid. His distribution was impeccable, and he created several scoring opportunities for his teammates. He also contributed defensively, tracking back and making crucial interceptions. Overall, Kroos's performance was a valuable contribution to Real Madrid's victory, showcasing his importance to the team and his ability to influence the game. He demonstrated his technical skills and his tactical awareness, proving himself to be one of the best midfielders in the world. The experience of playing in a Champions League final, and winning, would have further boosted his confidence and solidified his reputation as a top-class player. His performance was a testament to his dedication and his commitment to excellence, showcasing why he is considered one of the best in the world. Kroos's dominance in midfield played a crucial role in Real Madrid's triumph, providing a solid foundation for their attack to flourish.

Luka Modrić: 8/10

Modrić was the orchestrator in midfield, dictating the play with his vision and passing range. He was instrumental in Real Madrid's victory. Modrić's performance was a masterclass in midfield play. He orchestrated Real Madrid's attacks with his vision, passing range, and dribbling skills. He dictated the tempo of the game and created numerous scoring opportunities for his teammates. His work rate was also exceptional, tracking back and making crucial tackles. Overall, Modrić's performance was a key factor in Real Madrid's victory, showcasing his world-class talent and his ability to influence the game. He demonstrated his technical skills, his tactical awareness, and his leadership qualities, proving himself to be one of the best midfielders in the world. The experience of playing in a Champions League final, and winning, would have further boosted his confidence and solidified his reputation as a top-class player. His performance was a testament to his dedication and his commitment to excellence, showcasing why he is considered one of the best in the world. Modrić's dominance in midfield played a crucial role in Real Madrid's triumph, providing the creativity and control that allowed their attack to flourish.

Isco: 6.5/10

Isco showed flashes of brilliance but wasn't consistently influential. He was eventually substituted. Isco's performance was a mix of brilliance and inconsistency. He showed flashes of his exceptional talent, with his dribbling skills and his ability to create chances. However, he wasn't consistently influential, and he struggled to impose himself on the game. He was eventually substituted, indicating that he wasn't performing to his full potential. Overall, Isco's performance was a decent contribution to Real Madrid's victory, but it wasn't his best game. He showed glimpses of his world-class talent, but he needs to be more consistent in order to reach his full potential. The experience of playing in a Champions League final, and winning, would have undoubtedly been a valuable one for him, providing him with the motivation to improve and strive for greater consistency. His performance served as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a high level of performance in every game, especially in high-pressure situations. While he contributed to Real Madrid's victory, his performance on the night was not enough to fully showcase his talent. Isco's performance highlighted the need for him to find greater consistency and to exert a more significant influence on the game.

Karim Benzema: 7/10

Benzema opened the scoring with a fortunate goal, capitalizing on Karius's error. He worked hard upfront and linked up well with Ronaldo. Benzema's performance was opportunistic and hardworking. He capitalized on Loris Karius's howler to open the scoring, giving Real Madrid the lead. He worked hard upfront, linking up well with Cristiano Ronaldo and creating space for his teammates. While he wasn't always the most visible player on the pitch, his work rate and his ability to take advantage of opportunities were valuable contributions to Real Madrid's victory. Overall, Benzema's performance was a positive one, showcasing his experience and his ability to perform in crucial moments. He demonstrated his goal-scoring instincts and his ability to contribute to the team's overall performance. The experience of playing in a Champions League final, and winning, would have further boosted his confidence and solidified his reputation as a reliable performer. His performance was a testament to his dedication and his commitment to excellence, showcasing why he is considered a valuable asset to the Real Madrid team. Benzema's opportunistic goal and his hardworking performance played a crucial role in Real Madrid's triumph, helping them secure their third consecutive Champions League title.

Cristiano Ronaldo: 6.5/10

Ronaldo had a relatively quiet game by his standards. He was well-marked by Alexander-Arnold and didn't have many clear-cut chances. Ronaldo's performance was surprisingly subdued, especially considering his reputation as a Champions League icon. He was well-marked by Trent Alexander-Arnold and struggled to find space in the Liverpool defense. He didn't have many clear-cut chances and failed to make a significant impact on the game. While his presence undoubtedly occupied the Liverpool defenders, his overall performance was below his usual standards. Overall, Ronaldo's performance was a disappointment, especially given his track record in the Champions League. He failed to live up to the hype and didn't make a significant contribution to Real Madrid's victory. The game served as a reminder that even the greatest players can have off days, and that no one is immune to being contained by a well-organized defense. Ronaldo's quiet performance was a stark contrast to his usual brilliance, and it highlighted the importance of teamwork and the collective effort in achieving success. Despite not being at his best, Ronaldo still lifted his 5th champions league trophy.

Substitutes

Nacho (for Carvajal, 37'): 7/10 - Solid defensively after coming on.
Gareth Bale (for Isco, 61'): 8.5/10 - Scored two goals, including a stunning overhead kick, to win the game for Real Madrid.
Marco Asensio (for Benzema, 89'): N/A - Too late to make an impact.

Conclusion

The 2018 Champions League final was a game of contrasting fortunes. Liverpool were ultimately undone by Karius's errors and Salah's injury, while Real Madrid's experience and Bale's brilliance proved decisive. The player ratings reflect the individual performances on a night that will be remembered for both its brilliance and its blunders.