Champions League – Real Madrid’s notes against PSG (1-0): Courtois almost perfect, Benzema not found

THIBAUT COURTOIS: 8

Faced with attacking and dominating Parisians throughout the match, the Madrid goalkeeper pulled out all the stops. Vigilant and reactive in his area, he stood up to Kylian Mbappé (18th, 50th, 53rd) for a long time, but also Leo Messi and pushed back his penalty (62nd). Same thing against the incoming Neymar whom he forced to strike from a closed angle by deploying his big arms (87th). He ended up cracking at the last second and took Mbappé’s shot between his legs but without him, Real would have suffered a heavier defeat.

• In short : One of the best goalkeepers in the world.

DANI CARVAJAL : 3

The Spanish right-back’s mission was going to be tough and it was. Carvajal suffered all evening against the hard-hitting Mbappé. Completely harmless, he struggled defensively but remained focused and still fought. He was also often able to count on the support of Modric or Militao and, despite a penalty conceded but pushed back by Courtois (62nd), got away with it without too much damage until he was replaced by Lucas Vazquez in the 72nd. The new entrant, he gave in to the French international.

• In short : A rough evening.

EDER MILITAO: 6

The Brazilian also cracked on the wire by letting Mbappé pass but beforehand he had struggled to fill the gaps created by the Parisian striker. The central defender showed liveliness and often authority in the duels in front and in his area until the fatal moment. An unnecessary fault in the midfield which earned him a warning (52nd).

DAVID ALABA: 6

Like his buddy at the hinge, the Austrian spared no effort to contain the attacks from PSG. Well placed, he signed several notable defensive interventions including some welcome sliding tackles to intercept deep passes.

• In short : A clean copy.

FERLAND MENDY : 4

The French international was making his return after two weeks out with a hamstring injury. He struggled to get going but had to work against the active Hakimi and Di Maria. He hung on and generally held his own. On the other hand, he could not bring anything on the offensive plan. Warned (57th), he will be suspended on return.

• In short : He put on the overalls but was a little tight.

CASEMIRO : 5

Like his defense partners, the sentry could only do his best to try to contain the opposing offensives. Casemiro fought in particular against Messi or Veratti but he quickly took a card for a foul on Paredes (37th) and could not really raise his voice in terms of commitment. He will also be suspended for the second leg, very bad news for Real.

• In short : A match that reflects that of his team.

LUKA MODRIC : 3

The 2018 Ballon d’Or had no influence on this first leg at all. Or in a negative way. As usual expected to bring out the balls and direct the game of his people, he failed in his task and only defended. The 36-year-old Croatian never served his attackers in a good position before coming out in disbelief late in the game.

Replaced by Federico Valverde (82nd).

• In short : The playmaker was eaten in midfield.

TONI KROOS : 4

Monopolized by his defensive placement and recovery, the German did not stand out much. His rare corners were precise but harmless, only his beautiful long shot passed just over the target made Donnarumma and the public at the Parc des Princes shiver (54th).

• In short : Like others, he sticks out his tongue when the pace picks up.

MARCO ASENSIO : 3

Holder on the right of the attack, he was totally helpless. His coach was certainly hoping to see him take the depth behind Nuno Mendes’ back but he never had the chance because the balls did not arrive.

Replaced by Rodrygo (72nd)

KARIM BENZEMA : 4

Well present at kick-off after three weeks on the flank, the Madrid center-forward was certainly hoping to spend a completely different evening. The usual offensive transmission belt could not play its role because the attacks started from much too far. Even when his partners were able to chain a few passes into the opposing camp, Benzema failed to fire a single shot or even report.

Replaced by Gareth Bale (88th).

• In short : A game to forget.

VINICIUS JUNIOR: 4

The Brazilian wisp didn’t have much to eat either. His speed still allowed him to give his people some air by bringing up a few balloons and keeping the Parisian defense on alert. No shots attempted.

Replaced by Eden Hazard (82nd).

• In short : Perfectly kept.