Galatasaray 0-1 Real Madrid: Player ratings as Toni Kroos and Thibaut Courtois star

GALATASARAY 3-4-1-2

Fernando Muslera 7. Made a series of routine stops plus a much harder save from Benzema and had no chance with Kroos’s goal.

Christian Luyindama 6. Never looked confident defending against Hazard, but much better when he moved to the middle after the break.

Ryan Donk 5. Struggled to contain Benzema in the centre of defence, and his night ended quickly when was taken off at half-time.

Marcao 6. Strong in the air and purposeful with the ball, regularly stepping out from the back to provide an extra man in midfield.

Yuto Nagatoma 6. Sharp and decisive at left-back, enjoying a good tussle with Rodrygo which probably ended with honours even.

Mariano 6. Posed some problems for Marcelo with his pace and energy, but was often wasteful in possession. Better at left-back after the break.

Steven Nzonzi 5. Sat in front of the home team’s back four, but didn’t always use the ball well. Headed a decent late chance too high.

Jean Michael Seri 6. Linked play nicely in midfield, but danced with danger after getting booked and making some stern challenges.

Younes Belhanda 4. A weak link, regularly giving the ball away and firing a good chance too close to Courtois. Loudly jeered when he was replaced.

Florin Andone 7. Perhaps should have taken one of his two early chances, but worked tirelessly and was a constant menace.

Ryan Babel 6. Flitted in and out of the game but was occasionally dangerous, including a great cross which Belhanda wasted.

SUBSTITUTES

Sofiane Feghouli 6. Former Valencia man appeared at the interval and did well to find space in midfield without offering penetration.

Omer Bayram. Replaced Belhanda midway through the second half but had little impact as the hosts fizzled out.

Emre Mor. The home team’s last sub, coming on for Seri in midfield, but made nothing of his few chances to shine.

REAL MADRID 4-3-3

Thibaut Courtois 8. Made two great early saves to deny Andone, and a more straightforward stop from Belhanda. Important display.

Dani Carvajal 6. Sometimes looked off the pace and lacking confidence, but showed great commitment and never stopping working.

Raphael Varane 6. Struggled to contain the movement of Andone, occasionally getting dragged out of position, but was sharp to the ball.

Sergio Ramos 7. Made a shaky start, but improved as the game went on and played a key role in his team’s second half defensive improvement.

Marcelo 7. A more balanced performance than usual, focusing well on his defensive duties and making some key interventions inside the box.

Casemiro 7. Solid and steady if unspectacular in the centre of midfield, tidying up in front of his back four and

Toni Kroos 8. Outstanding. Pinged passes all over the park with effortless ease and came forward to stroke home the all-important winner.

Fede Valverde 7. Played an advanced role in midfield, and showed great fitness to cover every inch in support of both defence and attack.

Rodrygo Goes 6. Surprise selection on the right wing and just about justified that decision with some bright moments, albeit rather inconstant.

Karim Benzema 8. Had a hand in the opening goal with typically smooth build-up play, and looked a class act throughout.

Eden Hazard 7. Teed up Kroos for the opener and produced maybe his best game in Real colours so far. Fired a great chance against the bar.

SUBSTITUTES

Vinicius Junior. 6 Took the place of Hazard on the left wing for the last 15 minutes and was full of running without any highlight moments.

James Rodriguez 6. Entered in place of Valverde near the end and got on the ball with confidence, helping his team close out the game.

Luka Jovic 6. Replaced the exhausted Rodrygo inside the final ten minutes and worked hard in an unfamiliar right wing role.