Real Madrid Player Ratings: Benfica Defeat Leaves Blancos in Play-Off Peril

Real Madrid player ratings offer a sobering reflection after a chaotic night in Lisbon, where Los Blancos succumbed to a 4-2 defeat against Benfica that now forces them into a Champions League play-off. Despite a Kylian Mbappe brace, Real Madrid’s struggles, compounded by two late red cards and a dramatic stoppage-time winner by opposing goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, left Alvaro Arbeloa’s side with much to ponder.

Real Madrid Player Ratings: Defensive Woes Exposed in Lisbon

It was a night to forget for the Real Madrid defense. Thibaut Courtois (5/10) managed some key saves but was twice beaten at his near post, nutmegged for Benfica’s first, and guessed wrong for the penalty converted by Vangelis Pavlidis. Federico Valverde (5/10) was repeatedly caught out of position on the right, while Raul Asencio (4/10) struggled defensively, conceding space for Benfica’s equalizer and earning a second yellow card in stoppage time. Dean Huijsen (6/10) worked tirelessly to cover for Alvaro Carreras (5/10), whose lack of positional discipline allowed Benfica to exploit Madrid’s left flank.

Midfield Lacks Composure in Key Moments

Aurelien Tchouameni (5/10) was responsible for giving away the penalty that led to Benfica’s go-ahead goal. He failed to dictate play or transition the ball with needed urgency. Arda Guler (6/10) showed flashes of quality, especially after being switched to the right side, but was often dispossessed or overpowered in midfield duels. Jude Bellingham (6/10), for all his industry and defensive efforts, saw little of the ball in advanced positions, reducing his usual attacking influence.

Mbappe Shines Amid Madrid Attack’s Inconsistencies

Franco Mastantuono (5/10) offered width but lacked precision in possession, while Vinicius Jr (5/10) was largely anonymous in the first half and stifled by Benfica’s disciplined defense in the second. Kylian Mbappe (8/10) was the standout performer, scoring both Madrid goals with clinical finishing—first with a deft header then converting from an Arda Guler cross—but his efforts could not rescue the team. His form remains a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing display.

Substitutes and Manager Decisions Under Scrutiny

Eduardo Camavinga (6/10) injected some energy into midfield but struggled to swing the momentum. David Alaba (6/10) put in a solid shift at center-back, while Jorge Cestero (6/10) impressed with another energetic cameo. Rodrygo (4/10) failed to make an impact and saw red for dissent late on. Brahim Diaz had too little time to influence proceedings. Head coach Alvaro Arbeloa (4/10) opted for a full-strength line-up, but his tactical approach left Madrid open and vulnerable to Benfica’s counterattacks.

How Benfica Seized Control and Madrid Unraveled

Despite taking the lead through Mbappe’s early header, Real Madrid ceded initiative as Benfica pressed aggressively and looked to break quickly. Andreas Schjelderup’s equalizer, squeezed through Courtois’ legs, shifted the momentum. A rash foul by Tchouameni led to Pavlidis’ penalty conversion, giving Benfica a deserved half-time lead. After the break, Schjelderup added a third, punishing Madrid’s slow transitions. While Mbappe’s second offered hope, Madrid’s discipline crumbled—Asencio and Rodrygo both dismissed in stoppage time.

The final blow came in extraordinary fashion: with Benfica needing one last goal to advance, goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin surged upfield and headed home from a free-kick, sending the home fans into raptures and Real Madrid into a challenging play-off round.

Implications for Real Madrid: Champions League Future at Stake

This defeat means Real Madrid must now navigate a play-off to secure passage into the Champions League last-16. Their likely opponents are either Mourinho’s Benfica side again or Norway’s Bodo/Glimt. The defeat not only marks a setback in their European campaign but also raises questions about defensive organization, midfield control, and the squad’s discipline under pressure.

For more news on football’s biggest stories, visit for more news.

Opinion: Madrid Must Find Answers Fast

Real Madrid’s latest setback underlines the need for immediate tactical adjustments. Arbeloa must address the lack of defensive cohesion and regain midfield control, while ensuring his team keeps their cool in high-pressure moments. With a play-off looming, the margin for error is slim. If Los Blancos are to reassert themselves as Champions League contenders, they must rediscover their trademark resilience and composure—before it’s too late.