Player ratings from Real Madrid’s draw with Villarreal
Real Madrid came from behind twice to secure a draw at La Cerámica on Sunday. Gareth Bale scored two goals in an entertaining tactical encounter between the two teams. With Barcelona having drawn their game, this was a good chance for Madrid to go three points clear, but failed to take advantage of the slip up.
Manager Zinedine Zidane opted for a 4-4-2 formation with Gareth Bale and Lucas Vazquez flanking Toni Kroos and Casemiro in the midfield with Karim Benzema and Luka Jovic up top.
Ferland Mendy was handed his first official game for Real Madrid replacing Marcelo at left-back. Player ratings in full below:
Thibaut Courtois: 7/10 – Courtois had a good game. He was at no fault for both goals that Madrid conceded and was good with his feet when called upon.
Dani Carvajal: 6/10 – Dani had a decent game especially considering his performance the last time out. He came second-best in his battle with Moi Gomez but his offensive contribution was really good with his brilliant run leading to Madrid’s opener. Hopefully he turns this performance to even greater ones in the future.
Raphael Varane: 6.5/10 – Varane had a decent game. He dealt with pretty much everything that came his way. His coordination with Ramos was at times shaky but thankfully went unpunished.
Sergio Ramos: 6.5/10 – His mistake led to the first conceded goal for Villarreal. Other than that, the captain was okay and also joined the attack. He was at the end of a couple of headers but just couldn’t score.
Mendy: 8.5/10 – It was an excellent debut from Mendy. It didn’t look like he had just come back from injury or that it was his first official game for the Los Blancos.
Casemiro: 9/10 – Casemiro was everywhere on Sunday night. He had nine ball recoveries and was successful in all his tackles. He was also vital on the offensive side as well. Without a doubt a MOTM contender.
Toni Kroos: 7/10 – Toni Kroos had an okay game. He wasn’t spectacular but went about his duty well. The transition from defense to offense was overly reliant on him and he seemed to be burdened by it especially with no Modric at his side.
Gareth Bale: 9/10 – Bale scored both goals for Real Madrid. While the first was a tap-in his second was more of a beauty. He managed to save the game for Real. He got sent off late for a couple of yellows he received in rapid succession.
Lucas Vazquez: 6/10 – His main objective for the game seemed to be whipping crosses into the box and he did it well. But apart from that, there wasn’t much to discuss for him
Karim Benzema: 6/10 – Benzema tried to connect the offense and score but it just wasn’t his day. Hopefully it just an off-day.
Luka Jovic: 7/10 – His delightful touch to Carvajal was one of the catalysts for the first goal. He had a good game but still needs time to completely integrate into the team.
Substitutes
Vinicius Junior: 5.5/10 – Vinicius seems to be lacking confidence at the moment. He needs to build his game back up to that of last season.
Next. Zinedine Zidane takes the high road after Real Madrid’s draw against Villarreal. dark
Luka Modric: 7/10 – Luka made an immediate impact on the flank and was crucial in the little time he played. Had he started, Real Madrid could have won this match.
Fede Valverde: 6/10 – He was brought on in the 82nd minute and didn’t have much time to change the proceedings of the match.