Player Ratings: Real Madrid 1 - 1 RB Leipzig : 2024 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 | Football | Sports | The Amit Gahlyan

Real Madrid and RB Leipzig played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie at the Santiago Bernabeu. The hosts took the lead through Karim Benzema in the 34th minute, but the visitors equalized with a header from Christopher Nkunku in the 57th minute. Both teams had chances to win the game, but neither could find the decisive goal.

Here are the player ratings for both teams:

Real Madrid:

Thibaut Courtois: 7/10. Made some good saves to keep his team in the game, especially from a close-range shot by Emil Forsberg in the second half.

Dani Carvajal: 6/10. Had a decent game defensively, but was not very effective going forward. His crosses were often inaccurate or easily cleared.

Eder Militao: 6/10. Filled in for the injured Sergio Ramos and did a solid job. He was strong in the air and made some important interceptions.

David Alaba: 6/10. The former Bayern Munich defender had a mixed performance against his old rivals. He was composed on the ball and made some good passes, but he also lost Nkunku for Leipzig's goal.

Ferland Mendy: 5/10. The left-back was not at his best, as he struggled to contain the pace and trickery of Dani Olmo. He also offered little in attack and was replaced by Marcelo in the 74th minute.

Casemiro: 7/10. The Brazilian midfielder was his usual reliable self, as he broke up Leipzig's attacks and protected his back four. He also had a couple of shots from distance that tested Peter Gulacsi.

Luka Modric: 7/10. The veteran Croatian was Real Madrid's best player, as he dictated the tempo and created chances with his vision and passing. He set up Benzema's goal with a brilliant through ball and almost scored himself with a curling shot that hit the post.

Toni Kroos: 6/10. The German midfielder was not as influential as Modric, but he still kept things ticking in midfield with his accurate passing and movement. He also had a shot that was saved by Gulacsi.

Vinicius Junior: 5/10. The Brazilian winger had a frustrating night, as he wasted several opportunities with his poor decision-making and finishing. He missed a golden chance to make it 2-0 in the first half when he shot wide from close range.

Karim Benzema: 7/10. The French striker scored his sixth goal of the competition with a cool finish after being played in by Modric. He also linked up well with his teammates and worked hard defensively.

Marco Asensio: 6/10. The Spanish winger had a lively game, as he showed some good touches and runs on the right flank. He also had a shot that was blocked by Dayot Upamecano.

Substitutes:

Marcelo: 6/10. Came on for Mendy and added some energy and flair to Real Madrid's left side. He also delivered some dangerous crosses into the box.

Rodrygo: N/A. Replaced Asensio in the 82nd minute and did not have much time to make an impact.

RB Leipzig:

Peter Gulacsi: 7/10. The Hungarian goalkeeper made some fine saves to deny Real Madrid, especially from Modric and Kroos. He could not do much about Benzema's goal.

Lukas Klostermann: 6/10. The German defender had a tough task of dealing with Vinicius, but he did well to limit his threat. He also made some good tackles and clearances.

Dayot Upamecano: 7/10. The French defender was Leipzig's best player, as he showed his strength, speed and anticipation to thwart Real Madrid's attacks. He also made some crucial blocks and interceptions.

Willi Orban: 6/10. The Hungarian defender was solid alongside Upamecano, as he won some aerial duels and made some timely interventions.

Angelino: 6/10. The former Manchester City left-back was lively on both ends of the pitch, as he supported Olmo in attack and helped out defensively. He also delivered some good crosses into the box.

Amadou Haidara: 6/10. The Malian midfielder worked hard to press Real Madrid and disrupt their rhythm. He also showed some good touches and passes in midfield.

Kevin Kampl: 6/10. The Slovenian midfielder was composed on the ball and helped Leipzig keep possession. He also made some smart fouls to stop Real Madrid's counter-attacks.

Marcel Sabitzer: 6/10. The Austrian midfielder was not as influential as he can be, but he still contributed with some good passes and shots. He also assisted Nkunku's goal with a pinpoint cross.

Dani Olmo: 7/10. The Spanish winger was Leipzig's most dangerous player, as he tormented Mendy with his pace and skill. He also had some good shots that tested Courtois.

Christopher Nkunku: 7/10. The French winger scored Leipzig's equalizer with a well-timed header from Sabitzer's cross. He also showed some good movement and link-up play.

Emil Forsberg: 6/10. The Swedish striker had a quiet game, as he was isolated for most of the time. He did have one good chance to score in the second half, but his shot was saved by Courtois.

Substitutes:

Yussuf Poulsen: 6/10. Came on for Forsberg in the 64th minute and added some physicality and presence to Leipzig's attack. He also had a header that went wide.

Justin Kluivert: N/A. Replaced Olmo in the 82nd minute and did not have much time to make an impact.