Thibaut Courtois: 8. Hard to blame him for either goal conceded. Made three saves, two of which were massive interventions to keep Real Madrid in the game.
Denzel Dumfries: 5.5. Poor defensively, particularly on AEK’s second goal. His assist and threatening overloads offered some compensation, but his defensive work left plenty to be desired.
Éder Militão: 6. Took several defensive gambles that did not pay off. Still does not look fully match fit.
Antonio Rüdiger: 6.5. Distributed the ball well but was
a step slow in reading the play. Real Madrid’s absence of both starting centre-backs was noticeable throughout the night.
Marc Cucurella: 7.5. Could not close down Koita’s shot for AEK’s opener, but defended well overall despite receiving little help on his flank. Constantly threatened with his runs in the final third and played several good passes, including the assist for Jude Bellingham. Unlucky not to score himself.
Bernardo Silva: 7. Had some difficulties out of possession, but was assured with the ball at his feet and important to Real Madrid’s build-up.
Eduardo Camavinga: 7.5. A couple of poor defensive sequences, but also registered a whopping nine tackles. His initial escape from pressure was an important part of the move leading to Real Madrid’s second goal.
Yan Diomande: 7.5. A constant threat with his dribbling, creating space to deliver crosses and cutbacks. Completed four dribbles, more than anyone else on the pitch.
Jude Bellingham: 8.5. Real Madrid’s standout performer alongside Valverde. A wizard pulling the strings, particularly in the first half, and scored one of the goals of the season.
Vinícius Júnior: 4. Lost possession 11 times, failed to complete a single dribble, didn’t help Cucurella defensively, and was poor with his shooting. A frustrating night.
Kylian Mbappé: 7. Lacked his usual accuracy, finishing with seven shots, three on target, and one goal. Still scored a crucial second-half equaliser, hit the crossbar, and remained heavily involved despite the chances he missed.
Substitutes
Fede Valverde: 8.5. Alongside Bellingham, Real Madrid’s best player on the night. Dominant in transition after coming off the bench and scored a stunning winner. Produced a game-high three key passes despite playing just 24 minutes.
Endrick: 8. Full of life off the bench. Sent Mbappé through on a breakaway and produced a terrific run to win the corner just before Valverde’s goal.
Brahim Díaz: 7. Provided the assist for Valverde’s winner.
Álvaro Carreras: 6.5. Solid in possession as Real Madrid closed out the game and made good attacking runs.
Carlos Espí: N/A.
