Real Madrid vs Liverpool player ratings: Who stood out in Liverpool's weakened side?

A look at the individual performances at the Bernabeu where Real Madrid won 1-0

(GETTY IMAGES)

Predictions of a rout proved to be well wide the mark as Liverpool's weakened side produced a disciplined if not ultimately successful performance at the Bernabeu.

Manager Brendan Rodgers' gamble of leaving captain Steven Gerrard, vice-skipper Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling, among others, on the bench was considered bold by some and foolish by others.

Having been out-played at Anfield a fortnight ago in the 3-0 defeat, Rodgers felt it was prescient to hold back his key men for the weekend's visit of unbeaten Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea and made eight changes for what turned out to be a 1-0 loss.

Saturday's match now becomes a must-win one otherwise the Reds boss will expose himself to even more criticism but, in terms of this night, his second-string can probably claim a moral victory, having kept the damage below what the first-choice side did in the previous meeting with Karim Benzema's 26th-minute strike decisive.

But who stood out for the visitors? And was goalscorer Benzema the best player for Real Madrid? We take a look...

Who was your man of the match? Let us know in the comments below.