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#3 Hit: Trent Alexander-Arnold | Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold was arguably the worst player on the pitch during their encounter in the Spanish capital after giving away a cheap goal to Marco Asensio and making a costly error for Vinicius' first. Amidst heavy criticism for his displays, the 22-year-old put in a superb performance on the evening at Anfield.
After being run ragged in the first leg, Alexander-Arnold played like a man who had a point to prove. Bar the odd overload on Liverpool's right, the Englishman was much more watchful of Vinicius' pace and close control in wide areas, nullifying the Brazilian's impact. His five tackles and interceptions couldn't be bettered by any Reds player.
Apart from his superb defensive display, Alexander-Arnold was one of Liverpool's biggest attacking threats on the night. The 22-year-old's six key passes on the night was the highest across both teams and delivered a game-high five accurate crosses for his teammates. His six chances created were the most for any player across all four games in the UCL this week. For all the flack he's received in recent weeks, it was a valiant display from Alexander-Arnold, who was arguably Liverpool's best player.
#2 Flop: Mohamed Salah | Liverpool
If there was even a sliver of hope for Liverpool to mount a comeback in the tie before kick-off, it was only due to Mohamed Salah's precious away goal last week. He delivered, much like he has time and again since his move to Liverpool. The Egyptian's solitary goal proved to be in vain as they eventually crashed out, and Salah couldn't help prevent the result.
However, this wasn't due to a lack of chances for the Egyptian. On a night where relatively clear-cut chances were at a premium, Salah had his fair share of them, but failed to convert even one. The biggest of his chances arrived inside the first couple of minutes into the game as Sadio Mane teed him up in the box for a glorious opportunity. Salah uncharacteristically scuffed his shot which was saved by Courtois and it proved to be a very costly miss for his side.
The 28-year-old then found himself in space near the end of the first half and helplessly watched his shot sail over the bar after an intelligent take. Even in the second half, Salah had a couple of opportunities that he could have potentially made better use of.
It was an awful night for all of Liverpool's attackers, with Firmino and Mane putting up questionable displays in their most important game of the season so far, but their 28-goal superstar — who arguably had their best chances on the night — failed to rise to the occasion, much like he has in the past.
#1 Hit: Casemiro | Real Madrid
In a tie where Real Madrid didn't have two of their all-conquering central defenders available for selection, they needed to ensure that they have enough cover in midfield to protect their second-string defence. Luckily for them, they have just the man for the job.
Casemiro was simply sensational across both legs of the tie, with his display at Anfield being even more impressive than the one at Valdebebas. Casemiro tackled everything that moved around his area and was brilliant, winning the ball back time and again. He thwarted several Liverpool attacks nearly single-handedly, with one particular one to stop Robertson after Mane's backheel in the second half being the pick of the bunch.
The Brazilian ended the game with five successful tackles — more than any player on the pitch — along with the joint-highest number of passes (58) and accurate long balls (nine).
It was a mature performance from the 29-year-old who has once again reiterated why he's regarded as one of the best destroyers in world football. In the absence of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, Casemiro stepped up to protect his defense and did a remarkable job in helping them keep their lead intact at Anfield. He was announced as the Man of the Match, and deservedly so.
A word for both Thibaut Courtois and Fede Valverde as well, who were excellent on the night and were vital in helping Real Madrid keep Liverpool at bay.
Also read: 5 Greatest big-game players in world football right now
