Player Ratings as Real Madrid snatch 2-1 win against Ajax

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Real Madrid’s Croatian midfielder Luka Modric (C) fights for the ball with Ajax’s Danish midfielder Lasse Schone (L) and Ajax’s Dutch midfielder Donny van de Beek (R) during the UEFA Champions league round of 16 first leg football match between Ajax Amsterdam and Real Madrid at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on February 13, 2019. (Photo by EMMANUEL DUNAND / AFP) (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) /

Midfield

Luka Modric – 7

Like the defence, it took a while for the Luka and his compatriots in the midfield to get the attack going. After a gruesome first half, the second was where Luka picked up his game. Finishing off the game with 86.2% PA from 58 passes and four of his five long balls hitting the mark he wasn’t his best self. A masterclass performance in the second leg is very much needed.

Casemiro – 7

The Brazilian scrambled for most of the match as he laboured around the pitch relentlessly trying to get in the way of Ajax. Despite all his efforts though he was limited in what he could do. Still, Casemiro pushed on making three tackles, four interceptions and one clearance. Marco Llorente may be better suited for the return leg given the youngsters huge gas tank.

Toni Kroos – 7.5

While Kroos had his own fair share of struggles he stepped it up in the second half. The German was his industrious self passing with 96.7% PA from 60 passes, as well as going seven for seven on long balls. He capped the night with a tackle and two interceptions. A strong start from Kroos would be welcomed with open arms come March 5.

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