Benfica 2-0 Napoli Player Ratings: Rios Rated 9/10 as Benfica Clinches Dominant 2-0 Victory

The match, held at the vibrant Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica, was a tactical masterclass from the home team. The outstanding Richard Ríos found the net, finishing a move he was instrumental in building. The second half saw Benfica double their lead almost immediately, with Leandro Barreiro capitalizing on some slack defending to seal the points in the 49th minute. It was a goal that really knocked the stuffing out of the visitors.

Napoli struggled to find any rhythm throughout the match. Their attack looked toothless and their midfield was consistently overrun. Despite a few half-chances, they never truly threatened to get back into the game, leaving their manager with plenty to ponder. This was a statement win for Benfica in Europe.

Here are Benfica Vs Napoli Player Ratings

Napoli Player Ratings vs Benfica

Here are Napoli Player Ratings vs Benfica

Goalkeeper

Vanja Milinković-Savić - 5.5: Conceded two goals where he wasn't entirely at fault, but he didn't command his area with confidence. He made a couple of decent saves to keep the scoreline from getting worse. However, his distribution was erratic, often putting his defenders under unnecessary pressure. What stood out to us was his error that led to a shot, a moment of panic that summed up Napoli's night.

Defenders

Giovanni Di Lorenzo - 5.0: A difficult night for the captain. He was caught out of position for the second goal and struggled to contain Benfica's wide players. He lost possession an alarming 15 times, which is just not good enough at this level. From our perspective, he seemed a step off the pace and frustrated throughout the game.

Amir Rrahmani - 6.0: Probably the best of a bad bunch at the back. He was busy all night, making a few important tackles and showing composure on the ball with high passing accuracy. Despite his efforts, he was part of a defensive unit that looked disjointed and was ultimately breached twice. He tried to lead but his partners were not on the same wavelength.

Alessandro Buongiorno - 5.5: Had a tough time dealing with Franjo Ivanović's movement before being substituted just before the hour mark. He won a respectable number of aerial duels but was clumsy in the challenge, conceding a foul in a dangerous area. We noticed he was struggling physically before he was taken off. A night to forget for him.

Sam Beukema - 6.0: Only played the first half before being sacrificed for a tactical change. He didn't do much wrong during his time on the pitch, looking relatively solid and composed in possession. It felt like his substitution was more about the team's failing system than his individual performance. He can feel a bit hard done by.

Midfielders

Mathías Olivera - 5.5: Another player hooked at halftime. He offered very little going forward and was often bypassed in midfield. He worked hard but lacked the quality to make a real impact on the game. His performance was anonymous, and the substitution was entirely justified to try and spark some life into the team.

Scott McTominay - 6.5: A typically industrious performance from the Scotsman, but it wasn't enough. He battled hard in midfield, won a lot of his duels, and tried to drive his team forward. However, he also gave away four fouls and his influence waned as Benfica's midfield took complete control. He never stopped running, you have to give him that.

Eljif Elmas - 6.0: He was neat and tidy in possession but played it far too safe. In a game where Napoli needed creativity and drive, he was passive. He was eventually substituted after failing to create any meaningful chances. What stood out to us was his reluctance to try a risky pass, always opting for the simple option.

Forwards

David Neres - 6.0: One of Napoli's few bright sparks in attack, but even he was largely ineffective. He looked to take players on but completed just one dribble. He created a single chance and had a shot on target, but he needed more support from his teammates. We felt he was fighting a losing battle on his own at times.

Rasmus Højlund - 5.0: A deeply frustrating and isolating evening for the striker. He was starved of service and lost almost all of his physical battles with Otamendi. He touched the ball just 29 times in 90 minutes, which tells the whole story. He looked dejected and cut a lonely figure up top.

Noa Lang - 5.5: Showed flashes of skill but his final product was poor. He picked up a silly yellow card and was caught offside when Napoli were trying to build an attack. His decision-making was questionable, and he was rightly substituted. He tried to make things happen but it just wasn't his night.

Substitutes

Leonardo Spinazzola - 6.0: Came on at halftime and provided a bit more energy down the left but couldn't change the game's trajectory.

Matteo Politano - 5.5: Added some width but his crosses were often inaccurate and easily dealt with.

Juan Jesus - 5.5: Replaced Buongiorno and didn't fare much better against Benfica's lively attack.

Lorenzo Lucca - 5.0: Brought on to offer a physical presence but barely had a touch.

Antonio Vergara - 5.0: Picked up a yellow card shortly after coming on and missed a decent chance.

Manager

A. Conte - 5.0: His team looked unprepared and were second best in every department. His initial setup was wrong, and his halftime changes failed to make a positive impact. He was completely out-thought by his opposite number. A very poor showing from a manager of his caliber.

Benfica Player Ratings vs Napoli

Here are Benfica Player Ratings vs Napoli

Goalkeeper

Anatoliy Trubin - 7.0: A comfortable night for the keeper who claimed a well-deserved clean sheet. He made two important saves when called upon and commanded his box with authority. His distribution was a bit hit-or-miss, but defensively he was flawless. It’s the kind of quiet, effective performance you want from your number one.

Defenders

Amar Dedić - 7.0: A very solid performance at right-back. He was strong in the tackle and supported the attack well when needed. The yellow card was the only blot on an otherwise impressive copybook. He kept his side of the pitch on lockdown for the entire 90 minutes.

Nicolás Otamendi - 8.0: A colossal performance from the veteran captain. He was an absolute rock at the back, winning his duels and making an incredible 12 clearances. He read the game perfectly, completely nullifying the threat of Højlund. From our perspective, he led by example and was a huge reason for the clean sheet.

Tomás Araújo - 7.5: Formed a brilliant partnership with Otamendi. He matched his captain's defensive intensity, contributing 10 clearances and 3 interceptions. He was composed on the ball and never looked flustered. An excellent display from the young defender, who looks like a real talent.

Samuel Dahl - 7.5: A fantastic all-round performance from the left-back. He was defensively sound, making five tackles, and also provided an attacking threat, creating a big chance. His energy and work rate were outstanding. What a player he is turning into. He completely dominated his flank.

Midfielders

Enzo Barrenechea - 7.5: The anchor in Benfica's midfield. He was superb, breaking up play with 3 interceptions and recovering the ball 9 times. He controlled the tempo of the game and provided the platform for the attacking players to shine. He made Napoli’s midfield look ordinary.

Leandro Barreiro - 8.0: An energetic and decisive display from the midfielder, capped off with a well-taken goal. He was a constant driving force from the middle of the park, linking defense and attack seamlessly. His late run into the box for the goal was perfectly timed. A truly dynamic performance that surprised us.

Richard Ríos - 9.0: An absolutely stunning, man-of-the-match performance. He scored the opener and then assisted the second goal. He was everywhere, contributing defensively with 7 duels won and orchestrating the attack. His quality on the ball was a class above everyone else on the pitch. A complete midfielder's performance.

Fredrik Aursnes - 7.0: His relentless work rate was crucial to Benfica's dominance. While he missed a couple of good chances, his pressing and energy set the tone for the team. He was a nightmare for the Napoli players to deal with. He didn't score, but his contribution was immense.

Georgiy Sudakov - 6.5: A tidy performance before being substituted. He kept the ball moving and was involved in some nice passages of play. He didn't have a decisive impact, but he played his role in the team's system effectively. A solid, if unspectacular, outing.

Forwards

Franjo Ivanović - 7.5: A real handful for the Napoli defence. He provided the clever assist for the first goal and was a constant menace with his movement, drawing 5 fouls. He did miss a couple of big chances, which prevents a higher rating. But his overall contribution to unbalancing the opposition defence was key.

Substitutes

António Silva - 6.5: Came on to help see out the game and did his job with minimal fuss.

Tiago Freitas - N/A: Came on late with the game already won.

José Neto - N/A: A late substitute to run down the clock.

Manager

José Mourinho - 8.5: A tactical masterclass from the Portuguese manager. His team was perfectly organized, disciplined, and exploited Napoli's weaknesses ruthlessly. The game plan worked to perfection from the first minute to the last. He showed his experience and class on the European stage once again.

Sportsdunia's player of the match is Richard Ríos