Player Ratings: Atlético de Madrid vs Real Madrid, UEFA Champions League

Teams playing away in the first leg should always try to score, and that's what Real Madrid did tonight. Had the BBC's accuracy been good, Los Blancos could have even put the nail in the coffin, but ended up hoping for the referee to blow the final whistle instead.

Player Ratings

Iker Casillas: 6. The goalkeeper wasn't required to play well because of Atlético's gameplan, but still managed to command his defense well and prevented Los Rojiblancos from having success through set pieces. He also left his position one time and that could have led to a very good chance for Atlético, but luckily enough for Real Madrid Casillas' mistake wasn't too important this time. All in all, this is the way to go.

Dani Carvajal: 5. Carvajal isn't dominating the way he did last season just yet. It wasn't easy for him to create chances, but he should have contributed more offensively during the first 45 minutes because Atlético de Madrid were harmless.

Raphaël Varane: 9. Best performance after his knee injury. The French defender started the game in Pepe's spot and that probably means that the Portuguese player doesn't feel too comfortable, but Varane was a life insurance tonight, clearly outperforming Sergio Ramos and battling against Mandzukic. He also created an insane counterattacking play out of nowhere with his speed. If he keeps playing this way, it will not be easy for Pepe to recover his spot.

Sergio Ramos: 5. Mediocre performance by Ramos. His defending was good enough, but he turned the ball over three times that could have cost Real Madrid a goal. Los Blancos -- and Ramos -- were lucky to get away with it.

Marcelo: 5. Just like it happened with Carvajal, Real Madrid needed more from him during the first half. He will miss the return leg in what was a terrible, blatant mistake by the referee to show him the yellow card. Enter Coentrao...

Toni Kroos: 7. As ever, Toni Kroos completed a very decent performance, but he did not shine either. The fans should appreciate his consistency as a deep midfielder, and he will be a crucial player next week.

Luka Modric: 7. The Croatian tends to play at the same level as Kroos, and while he did not impress, his display proved what Real Madrid were lacking during his injury.

James Rodríguez: 6. James wasn't involved on the team's offensive play. The Colombian could have scored with the outside of his boot but Oblak -- who else? -- saved the effort. James' defensive contribution was good but he showed a lack of speed against Juanfran on a couple of plays.

Gareth Bale: 5. The Welsh attacker missed a sitter few minutes after the match kicked-off. Oblak made a great save, no question about that, but one of the world's greatest forwards should definitely put that one in the back of the net.

Cristiano Ronaldo: 5. Bale did not score a great chance, but Cristiano Ronaldo was almost invisible. Real Madrid will need a better version of the Portuguese player for the return leg.

Karim Benzema: 4. Clearly the worst Real Madrid player on the field. His decisions cost Real Madrid a couple of goals, and although he did help the midfielders at keeping the possession, he should have been more selfish with those two chances and look for the goal instead of the assist.

Isco Alarcón: 5. Came on in the 73rd minute and did not help the team much. Atlético played better after Isco entered the pitch, but it wasn't entirely his fault as Los Rojiblancos improved their intensity and collective display. Ancelotti should have probably tried to introduce Isco a little bit sooner.

Álvaro Arbeloa: -. Not enough time.