Arsenal vs Real Madrid player ratings: Declan Rice shines as Mbappe struggles

Arsenal produced a result for the ages by stunning Real Madrid 3-0, with Declan Rice’s two brilliant free-kicks proving decisive. Below is a detailed breakdown of the performances for both sides, highlighting each player’s contribution during the match without revealing any spoilers.

Arsenal Performances

David Raya (Goalkeeper – 7/10):
Raya was a key figure in goal, producing an important save to deny the onrushing Mbappe before half-time. His assured presence and consistent shot-stopping skills contributed significantly to Arsenal’s ability to keep a clean sheet.

Jurrien Timber (Defender – 8/10):
Timber displayed incredible aggression and power in his duels on the right flank. Despite battling through pain, he challenged every attacker relentlessly and provided a physical presence that frustrated the opposition.

William Saliba (Defender – 7/10):
Saliba remained characteristically composed under pressure. His unruffled performance on a big stage was instrumental in maintaining a solid defensive structure, with his awareness enhanced by his experience on the international scene.

Jakub Kiwior (Defender – 6/10):
Kiwior experienced a challenging start, appearing a bit too loose in the first half. However, he gradually found his footing after the break, albeit with room for improvement in consistency.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (Defender – 8/10):
At just a teenager, Lewis-Skelly exuded confidence and composure on the field. His ability to drive forward while holding off opponents demonstrated maturity beyond his years, making him one of the standout performers.

Martin Odegaard (Midfielder – 7/10):
Odegaard orchestrated Arsenal’s attacks, although he sometimes found it difficult to escape the pressure from Camavinga. Despite these challenges, he remained the central conduit for the team’s creativity and was pivotal in linking up play.

Thomas Partey (Midfielder – 8/10):
Partey was rock-solid in midfield, starting moves from deep positions and maintaining a high level of composure. Although he received a booking in the second half, his overall performance showcased leadership and maturity under pressure.

Declan Rice (Midfielder – 9/10):
Rice stole the show with two outstanding free-kicks that turned the game on its head. His performance was relentless, and his ability to deliver in critical set-piece situations was nothing short of extraordinary.

Bukayo Saka (Winger – 8/10):
Saka initially made a significant impact, capitalizing on weaknesses on Real Madrid’s left side. However, intense marking and rough fouls eventually took their toll, forcing him to leave the pitch with a limp—but his early performance was highly impressive.

Mikel Merino (Midfielder – 8/10):
In a role that was relatively unfamiliar, Merino showcased remarkable selflessness and hard work. His sweeping play, combined with a precise and accurate finish, added an important dimension to Arsenal’s attacking efforts.

Gabriel Martinelli (Forward – 7/10):
Martinelli engaged in a fierce battle against Madrid’s midfield and contributed with a powerful left-footed drive. Although his effort would have troubled most goalkeepers, it ultimately fell short against Real Madrid’s impressive shot-stopper.

Real Madrid Performances

Thibaut Courtois (Goalkeeper – 6/10):
Courtois produced several fabulous saves across both halves. However, he was notably beaten twice by Rice's stunning free-kicks, which diminished what might have been otherwise a commendable performance.

Federico Valverde (Midfielder – 6/10):
Valverde demonstrated versatility and held his own in defending against Arsenal’s threats. Despite his reliable performance in the defensive phase, his contributions going forward were limited.

Raul Asencio (Defender – 5/10):
Asencio struggled to adapt to Arsenal’s unpredictable attacking style, leaving Madrid’s defense scrambling at crucial moments. His inability to manage the innovative threat posed by Arsenal was a significant drawback.

Antonio Rüdiger (Defender – 5/10):
Rüdiger nearly gifted Arsenal an early lead through a misplay against Camavinga. His overall defensive demeanor was affected by the pressure, especially when confronted by the clinical threat of Saka.

David Alaba (Defender – 5/10):
Tasked with marking Saka, Alaba found himself increasingly unsettled as the match progressed. A clearance off the line, which highlighted his defensive awareness, came too late to fully mitigate his discomfort in these critical moments.

Rodrygo (Forward – 5/10):
Rodrygo struggled to make a significant impact on the game, with his performance largely underwhelming. He was largely absent in terms of creating any genuine chances against a well-organized Arsenal side.

Luka Modric (Midfielder – 6/10):
Modric, still active at 39, continued his trademark style with clever, disguised passes; however, his endurance seemed to falter against Arsenal’s energetic play, resulting in a middling overall performance.

Eduardo Camavinga (Midfielder – 4/10):
After a promising start marked by a robust defensive shift in the first half, Camavinga’s performance deteriorated significantly later in the game—culminating in a red card that hampered Madrid’s efforts and ultimately earned him a low rating.

Jude Bellingham (Midfielder – 6/10):
Bellingham tried to influence the game by shifting to the left flank, producing one brilliant pass that set up a critical chance for Mbappe. Nonetheless, his overall involvement diminished in the second half, resulting in a moderate rating.

Kylian Mbappe (Forward – 6/10):
Mbappe’s blistering pace and agility were on display throughout the first half, intimidating Arsenal’s defense. However, his performance waned after the break, as he struggled to maintain his earlier form, leading to an average rating.

Vinicius Junior (Forward – 5/10):
Vinicius, who typically has no defensive responsibilities and is positioned to make the most of counter-attacks, failed to make a significant impact in this match. His attempts either missed the target or were completely neutralized by Arsenal’s formidable defensive setup.

Final Thoughts

The match showcased Arsenal’s balanced, cohesive performance, which proved too much for Real Madrid to overcome, particularly on set-piece situations where Declan Rice shone the brightest. While Real Madrid showed glimpses of their renowned resilience and individual talent, critical mistakes—especially in defending dead-ball situations—ultimately cost them dearly.

For Arsenal, the victory was a testament to their tactical discipline, highlighted by effective set-piece execution and strong defensive organization. In contrast, Real Madrid’s vulnerabilities, particularly in handling well-executed free-kicks and managing the pace of Arsenal’s attack, came to the fore in this competitive matchup.

This detailed assessment of individual performances provides an in-depth look at how both teams fared in this high-stakes encounter. Without giving away any future plot twists, it’s clear that Arsenal’s display will be remembered as one of their finest, while Real Madrid will need to regroup, learn from their mistakes, and address the gaps in their defense as they continue their campaign.

As the season progresses, the lessons from this game will be pivotal for both teams. Arsenal’s methodical approach and reliable performance across the board set a benchmark for excellence, while Real Madrid must work on mitigating their defensive frailties and ensuring that individual brilliance is not overshadowed by costly errors.

This comprehensive evaluation of player performances not only underscores the significance of each moment in the match but also highlights the collective efforts that ultimately led to Arsenal’s memorable triumph over one of Europe’s most storied clubs.