Jan 29, 2026
3 min read
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Scores: Benfica 4 - 2 Real Madrid
Real Madrid's trip to Lisbon ended in a 4-2 defeat that was more lopsided than scoreline.Benfica repeatedly found ways to isolate Madrid's defenders in transition, exploit the high line and punish a team that didn't look stable without the ball.
Here are the ratings:
Thibaut Courtois - 7
Courtois made seven saves and spent much of the match stranded on an island, abandoned by a defense that offered little protection in front of him.
Fede Valverde - 7
One of the few players who seemed to understand what the game required, Valverde read passing lines well, escaped pressure and provided much-needed intensity and stability in a game that often turned chaotic.
Raul Royal – 6.5
Tough task: Holding the line against Benfica's pace and movement is a nightmare and he has a lot of work to do.
Dean Hughes — 6.5
Mixed but inspiredThere were a few poor passes, but for the most part, Hugissen helped clear the left flank and stepped up at the right time.He held up well as Madrid continued to expand.
Alvaro Carreras — 5.5
Benfica succeeded by clearly targeting the side.Carreras was repeatedly burned in defense, especially by Prestiani and Didic, and Madrid couldn't consistently find a way to save him.Not entirely to blame, but certainly a weak link Benfica constantly exploits.
Orlian Chuamani - 5
Rough operation.Unreliable in distribution, inconsistent in tracking down runners, and often seems caught between roles - not destroyer, not controller.For a player who is supposed to provide structure, it is all over the place.
Arda Guler - 7.5
Real Madrid's best player tonight, Guler was constantly looking for the right last pass. And it ended with six key passes that told the story. He is a player who constantly tries to adjust Benfica's defensive style. Instead of forcing it with a low percentage, be smart, creative and calm.
Jude Bellingham - 6
Bellingham contributed to Madrid's second goal and worked hard in defense but struggled to establish himself in the final third.
Kylian Mbappe - 7
Mbappé scored both of Madrid's goals and was actually the only striker who consistently threatened Benfica's back line.However, his carelessness in deep areas was a problem - some free kicks were truly dangerous and caused Benfica to press.
Vinicius Jr. — 3
A disastrous performance.Lost possession time and time again, killed off tackles and spent too much time complaining - sometimes instead of pushing back or pressing.Madrid needed maturity and tension from him in a hostile environment, but they got deflections and negative energy.
Rodrygo - 5.5
Unusual performance.On the other hand, he was excellent in the setup that helped Madrid's second goal and provided some skill.On the other: two yellow cards.
Edurado Kamavanga - 6,5
Decent cameo.He distributed the ball well and later switched to left-back, providing some stability and ball movement that Madrid lacked.Not spectacular, but a useful presence in a game full of volatility.
Brahim Diaz - 5
Neither found a place nor helped the team to create it.There was an inexplicable shot attempt, but overall it didn't change the game.Benfica's defensive organization swallowed him up.
