Real Madrid faced a tough night in Lisbon, falling to Benfica 4–2. The score didn’t capture how one-sided the match felt. Madrid struggled, especially in defense. Benfica took advantage of their weaknesses, repeatedly isolating defenders and punishing mistakes.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was left with little support, making seven crucial saves but ultimately feeling abandoned by his defense. One bright spot for Madrid was Federico Valverde. He effectively disrupted Benfica’s plays and brought some intensity to an otherwise chaotic game.
Defensively, José Asensio had his ups and downs. He managed a beautiful assist to Kylian Mbappé but received a second yellow card late in the match. Though he wasn’t the main issue, defending Benfica’s swift attacks was a tough task.
On the left, Huijsen showed promise but was targeted by Benfica’s fast players. He held his ground fairly well despite frequently being under pressure. Carreras struggled, with Benfica exploiting his side repeatedly. He wasn’t disastrous but became a target for their attacks.
Aurélien Tchouaméni had a particularly rough game. He struggled with his passing and tracking back. He couldn’t decide between playing aggressively or maintaining control, leading to a lack of structure in Madrid’s midfield.
In contrast, Arda Güler shined as Madrid’s most effective player. He delivered six key passes and consistently sought smart plays, trying to break through Benfica’s defenses.
Jude Bellingham assisted in Madrid’s second goal but didn’t manage to assert himself in the match’s tempo. Mbappé was a consistent threat, scoring both goals for Madrid, yet his mistakes invited pressure from Benfica.
One player who fell short was Mendy. His repeated giveaways and frustration hindered the team’s efforts to maintain momentum. Eduardo Camavinga offered some stability later in the match by moving to left-back, showcasing his ability to adapt even in a challenging environment.
This defeat highlights Madrid’s need for a more cohesive plan on defense and a stronger midfield presence. Experts agree that a well-organized defense is crucial for success in high-stakes matches like these. According to recent data from UEFA, teams that display better defensive structure tend to have higher win rates in knockout stages. It’s clear that Madrid has room for improvement as they prepare for future challenges.
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