Player ratings as Neymar is sole shining light for PSG after defeat to Real Madrid

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  • A dejected Neymar

    Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Real Madrid beat Paris St Germain 3-1 in the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie.

    The French side took the lead through Adrien Rabiot but Ronaldo equalised from the penalty spot just before half-time.

    The Portugal forward then put the hosts ahead with seven minutes left before left-back Marcelo’s close-range finish gave the holders a two-goal cushion to take to Paris.

    Here, we rate the PSG players after the 3-1 defeat at the Bernabeu.

    STARTING XI

    Alphonse Areola 7 – Had the geography of his face displaced to deny Ronaldo and produced a stunning stop against Benzema. Could do nothing about any goal.

    Dani Alves 6 – Fascinating duel with Marcelo, trading twists and turns. A more restrained performance from the Alves of old, though.

    Marquinhos 7 – Was a candidate for PSG’s man of the match until the late collapse. Let down by the imperfections of those around him.

    Presnel Kimpembe 5 – Glanced over his shoulder like a pensioner on a desolate street looking for Ronaldo and lost his man for the late goals.

    Yuri Berchiche 5 – An assured display up against Ronaldo but then struggled when Real made their subs and looked for more width.

    Marco Verratti 6 – Thrived in the intensity of the game, tremendous tackling, angled passing and great vision. Wasn’t scared to get stuck in.

    Giovani Lo Celso 4 – A performance hallmarked by naivety. Soft challenge for the penalty, dreadful decision making and was was fortunate not to be sent off.

    Adrien Rabiot 5 – Easy to forget he’s still only 22 because he’s been talented for so long but he lost complete control towards the end.

    Kylian Mbappe 6 – Virtually unstoppable in space but opportunities were few. A devilish ball which led to PSG’s opener, however.

    Edinson Cavani 6 – Quiet game by his standards – he touched the ball only 10 times – although Neymar’s greed starved his cause.

    Neymar 7 – He can do so many things exquisitely – as evidenced by his wonderful assist – but he used the ball terribly at times.

    SUBSTITUTES 

    Thomas Meunier 5 – Was absolutely ruined by Asensio when he was brought on to shift Alves into midfield.

    Julian Draxler N/A – Replaced Lo Celso with five minutes to go.

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