Player ratings from Real Madrid’s 2-2 draw against CD Numancia

Real Madrid drew 2-2 at home against CD Numancia on Wednesday, which was enough for them to progress to the quarterfinals of the Copa Del Rey. Here are the player ratings from the draw at the Bernabéu.

Defense

Kiko Casilla – 6 

Casilla’s only involvement in this game was the two times he had to pick the ball out of the net for the two Numancia goals. Despite conceding twice, he could have done very little about them. Aside from the goals, his performance wasn’t noteworthy which is good for a goalkeeper.

Dani Carvajal – 7

Dani returned from his La Liga suspension and set up Lucas Vazquez’s first goal with a fantastic cross. He was caught out of position for the first Numancia goal, but as it has been all season, this is more a schematic issue than Carvajal’s fault. All in all, a really good game from the Spanish full-back. It will be good to see him back in La Liga action against Villarreal this weekend.

Nacho – 7

This was a game where Nacho reminded me (and a few others) how underrated his pace is. The center-back was afforded some space to run and he took full advantage with one of his ventures seeing him sprint the length of the pitch to fire in a cross. He even popped up in the box, his shot scratching the paint off the crossbar on its way over.

Jesus Vallejo – 7

Speaking of pace, Nacho’s partner in defense needs no excuses to show off his pace. Vallejo continues to remind me more and more of Raphael Varane. One move, in particular, had all the hallmarks of the Frenchman. Vallejo won the ball back off a Numancia defender, showed great first touch to bring the ball into stride and then burst into the space that Numancia had left while attacking. The only thing that was lacking was the pass, but at just 21 years of age, I’m certain that will come.

Theo Hernandez – 7 

Theo was guilty in the away leg of trying to do too much, something which I criticized him for in my player ratings from that game. It is obvious his performance in the Bernabéu on Wednesday that Theo both reads my player ratings from these games and listen to the valuable advice I dispense in these thought-provoking and engaging articles. The youngster wasn’t prolific on Wednesday, but, that is far from a criticism, he kept things ticking over, connecting well with the midfield. Defensively, I can’t recall a single dangerous attack coming from his end of the pitch, which in fairness to Theo, probably says more about Numancia in this game than his performance. Nonetheless, it was a much improved performance from the left back and yet another demonstration of why people should listen to me more.