Benfica 0-1 Bayer Leverkusen Player Ratings: Patrik Schick Scores Winner To Seal Crucial Victory for Bundesliga Side

Bayer Leverkusen delivered a masterclass in resilience, securing a 1–0 victory over Benfica despite being under sustained pressure for much of the match. The Portuguese side dominated possession and created numerous opportunities but were left to rue their profligacy in front of goal.

Benfica struck the woodwork twice through Dodi Lukébakio and captain Nicolás Otamendi, yet luck was not on their side. Leverkusen, meanwhile, held firm thanks to a superb defensive display marshalled by Loïc Badé and a string of vital saves from goalkeeper Mark Flekken. The decisive moment arrived late on when super sub Patrik Schick headed home against the run of play, sealing a dramatic and hard-fought win for the German champions on a night that epitomised the fine margins of European football. Here are Sportsdunia's Benfica vs Bayer Leverkusen Player Ratings:

Benfica Player Ratings vs Bayer Leverkusen

Here are Benfica Player Ratings from Benfica vs Bayer Leverkusen clash in the UEFA Champions League:

Goalkeeper

Anatoliy Trubin - 6.0: Had very little to do for most of the game as Leverkusen were pinned back. He made a couple of routine saves but was ultimately beaten by the one real moment of quality from the visitors. Could do little about the perfectly placed header.

Defenders

Fredrik Aursnes - 6.5: A tireless runner on the flank. He was constantly trying to provide width and delivered six crosses, though only one found its target. Defensively, he was caught out a couple of times but his work rate was undeniable.

Nicolás Otamendi - 7.5: A true warrior's performance from the captain. He was an absolute menace in both boxes, winning aerial duels and making key interceptions. He was desperately unlucky to see his powerful header crash against the crossbar. The yellow card was a sign of his growing frustration.

Tomás Araújo - 7.0: Looked incredibly composed alongside his experienced partner. Made a crucial last-man tackle and read the game brilliantly, racking up four interceptions. A very mature performance from the young defender.

Samuel Dahl - 5.0: A night to forget for the young full-back. While he was solid in the tackle, his error leading to the goal was the defining moment of his game. At this level, small mistakes are punished severely, and this one cost his team dearly.

Midfielders

Enzo Barrenechea - 6.5: The midfield metronome. He kept possession ticking over with an exceptional 96% pass accuracy. He screened the defense well but didn't offer a great deal of penetration going forward. A steady, if unspectacular, outing.

Georgiy Sudakov - 7.0: He was the creative spark for Benfica before his substitution. From our perspective, taking him off seemed a strange decision as he created four chances for his teammates. His vision and passing were a constant problem for Leverkusen.

Dodi Lukébakio - 7.5: It's hard to know what more he could have done, besides score. He was a livewire throughout, taking eight shots, hitting the woodwork, and constantly driving at the defence. His end product was missing, but he was Benfica’s most dangerous attacker by a mile.

Leandro Barreiro - 6.0: An energetic and bustling performance in his 69 minutes on the pitch. He got into some good positions but lacked the composure to finish a decent chance. His hard work drew fouls and disrupted Leverkusen's rhythm.

Richard Ríos - 8.0: Simply outstanding. We noticed he was the architect of almost every good thing Benfica did. He created five key passes and was the engine room of the team. A brilliant, all-action display that deserved so much more.

Forwards

Vangelis Pavlidis - 5.0: A really tough night for the striker. He was completely isolated, managing only 27 touches across the full 90 minutes. He missed a big chance and lost the physical battle with Leverkusen's defenders. A ghostly presence up front.

Substitutes

Andreas Schjelderup - 6.0: Came on and had one shot blocked but couldn't really impact the game.

Amar Dedic - 6.0: Brought on to add some fresh legs but the game was already slipping away.

Gianluca Prestianni - 6.5: Looked lively and tried to create something in his short cameo.

Manager

José Mourinho - 6.5: His game plan created enough chances to win comfortably, but his players' finishing was abysmal. You could feel his frustration on the sideline. Perhaps he could have made his changes sooner to try and force the issue.

Bayer Leverkusen Player Ratings vs Benfica

Bayer Leverkusen Player Ratings from Benfica vs Bayer Leverkusen clash:

Goalkeeper

Mark Flekken - 8.0: An excellent, commanding performance. He made five crucial saves to keep his team in the game, dominating his six-yard box. He was a calm and reassuring presence behind a defense that was under siege.

Defenders

Jarell Quansah - 7.0: A very tidy and efficient performance. He didn't make any headlines but his 96% pass accuracy shows his composure under pressure. He did his defensive duties without any fuss.

Loïc Badé - 9.0: The undisputed Man of the Match. This was a defensive masterclass. He won every single one of his duels, made a game-saving clearance off the line, and was a colossal barrier that Benfica could not break down. An absolutely immense performance.

Edmond Tapsoba - 7.5: A warrior's display. He threw his body on the line, blocking three shots and making six clearances. His aggressive style earned him a yellow card, but his commitment to the defensive cause was vital for the win.

Midfielders

Arthur - 6.0: A difficult night for the midfielder. He struggled to get into the game, losing the majority of his duels and giving possession away cheaply. He worked hard off the ball but had little influence on it.

Alejandro Grimaldo - 7.5: The captain led by example. He was tenacious in the tackle, winning seven of his nine duels, and marshaled his backline superbly. He also offered an outlet going forward, showing his class and experience throughout.

Aleix García - 6.5: A steady performance in the heart of midfield. He kept the ball moving but was guilty of an error that led to a Benfica shot. He did his job but didn't stand out in a game dominated by defensive actions.

Ibrahim Maza - 6.5: A ball of energy and aggression. He recovered the ball six times and made some crucial tackles, but his indiscipline was a problem. He committed four fouls and was lucky to stay on the pitch. A chaotic but effective performance.

Forwards

Claudio Echeverri - 5.5: He was largely anonymous before being substituted. The game seemed to pass him by, and he struggled to make any sort of impact on proceedings. A disappointing showing.

Ernest Poku - 6.0: Showed flashes of danger and looked to be positive on the ball. However, he missed a big chance that could have put his team ahead earlier. His effort was there but the final product was not.

Christian Kofane - 5.0: Another attacker who was completely isolated. He had just 16 touches before being hooked in the 57th minute. He offered no threat and it was no surprise to see him taken off.

Substitutes

Patrik Schick - 8.0: The match-winner. He came on and did exactly what he was sent on to do. One chance, one perfect header, one goal. A dream cameo from the super sub.

Malik Tillman - 6.5: Added some much-needed energy and creativity when he came on. Picked up a yellow card but his directness helped shift the momentum slightly.

Eliesse Ben Seghir - N/A: Came on too late to make a significant impact.

Manager

K. Hjulmand - 8.5: A tactical masterclass. He set his team up to absorb pressure and they executed his plan to perfection. His decision to bring on Patrik Schick was an inspired move that won his team the three points. He outwitted his opposite number.

Sportsdunia’s Player of the Match goes to Loic Bade with 9/10 ratings.