Player Ratings: Real Madrid 4-2 Napoli; 2023 UEFA Champions League Group Stage

Thursday, November 30, 2023 Sport Soccer

Carlo Ancelotti’s men make it a perfect 5/5 in the Champions League group stage with a fun victory over Napoli.

Full match player ratings below

Lunin—6: Made a good reflexive stop on the opening Napoli goal but ultimately was ruled over the line by goal-line technology. Arguably could have done better on the Anguisa volley but was from close-range and had venomous power.

Dani Carvajal—7: Another good game with 4 key passes, composure under pressure, and solid defending vs Kvara and Zielinski.

Toni Rudiger—8.5: The big German relishes these Champions League matches. Shut down Kvara when isolated 1 v 1, physically overpowered Simeone, and ruffled Oshimen’s feathers when he was substituted into the match. His consistency has been one of the storylines of the season.

David Alaba—6.5: Still struggles to defend on crosses and seems to miss toe-poke blocks by near misses. Did contribute with a inch-perfect assist with a cross from the left-half space into Jude Bellingham’s run inside the box.

Ferland Mendy—7: Improved going forward, particularly with his crossing. Played a beautiful ball to Joselu who fluffed the chance.

Dani Ceballos—5: Looked slightly off the pace which is reflective of a player that has been out for the first four months of the season.

Fede Valverde—7: Has adapted well to the double-pivot role and works tirelessly defensively. Finished the game with 4 completed tackles, 4 clearances, 1 blocked shot, 5/5 ground duels won, and 1/1 aerial duel won.

Toni Kroos—7: Another game with Kroos in total control, quarter-backing all of Madrid’s build-up play. His long diagonal switches of play were very effective and he hit them over 11 times in the match.

Jude Bellingham—8.5: Another goal and another assist — the 20-year-old continues to break records and exceed all expectations.

Brahim—7: Ever-present in the first half and nuisance for the Napoli defense to try and track or tackle. Tired in the second half, but finished the game with an assist and 2 completed dribbles.

Rodrygo—8.5: Madrid go down and Rodrygo instantly replies with a sensational goal, cutting in from the left on to his right foot and curling the ball in the upper 90. His rich vein of form continues and his smooth fleet-of-foot dribbling is a joy to watch.

Substitutions:

Joselu—4: Scored but asked for forgiveness in his celebration after missing no less than 3 big chances.

Nico Paz—7: A star is born. The youngster took his chance and took responsibility to score an 84th minute go-ahead goal to turn the result to a 3-2 win for Madrid. This could be the start of a blossoming career at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Nacho—N/A: 87th minute substitution to shore up the defense. Involved in the build-up for Joselu’s late goal to make it 4-2.

Lucas Vazquez—N/A: Like Nacho, brought in late to double down on the right flank and provide Carvajal with extra cover and fresh legs.

Another win: 30 November 2023

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