A great first-half performance was enough as Real Madrid held on for a nerve-wracking 3-2 win over Levante.
Zinedine Zidane opted for a fluid 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 formation for the early kickoff game in La Liga. The Whites started off the gates in a blazing manner as they dominated the first half of the game. They came down a gear in the second half but still managed to hold on to the lead they had taken in the first. Here are the player ratings from the game.
Thibaut Courtois – 8: Courtois didn’t have to do much during the first half. The two goals he conceded weren’t down to him. He was good with his distribution and had a crucial save near the end that kept the scoreline at 3-2.
Dani Carvajal – 6.5: Carvajal had a great first half both offensively and defensively. But his performance in the second half dipped a little. He was at fault for the second goal that Real conceded. He also had a heavy touch around the 54th-minute mark near the box, which thankfully wasn’t punished.
Raphael Varane – 7.5: Varane had a pretty good game. He took upon the leadership duties once Ramos was subbed off and did very good considering he and Militao haven’t really played together much.
Sergio Ramos – 8: Ramos completed a great performance today. Though he was at fault for the first goal, the rest of his performance was great and that cannot be ignored.
Marcelo- 7.5: Good game from the fullback today. As always was great in offense and his defensive performance was good enough today. When the opposite doesn’t threaten much down his flank, Marcelo will most probably have a good game.
Casemiro – 9: Casemiro had only one training session with the team before today’s game and was most probably jetlagged from his travels with his country. But he still completed an excellent performance today at both ends of the game.
Toni Kroos – 8.5: Everything flowed through Kroos vs. Levante. He had a passing accuracy of 97.5% and had 10 recoveries, a clear indicator of his performance both on offense and defense.
James Rodriguez – 9.5: What a performance from James. He played as a No. 10 today and really was just outstanding. It could be seen that he really wants to be successful in this stint at the club. He had five key passes and created six chances (the most on the team). He also helped Kroos get the ball out from the back on multiple occasions. MOTM contender.
Lucas Vazquez – 7: A good performance in the first half, but couldn’t replicate it in the second. He joined the midfield once Casemiro was subbed off. and worked tirelessly, something that is his biggest quality.
Karim Benzema – 9.5: If there were any doubts as to whether he could replicate his last season goal-scoring form, it should be quelled by now. Two goals today and could have added a third. He also dropped deep to help ball progression. Simply wonderful. MOTM
Vinicius Jr. – 7: He was very quiet at the start of the game but came into life around the 15th min. His decision making still needs a lot of work but showed off all his positive attributes today. He should have scored.
Substitutions.
Eden Hazard – 7.5: A good debut. He was involved from the very first minute he was subbed in and had a great shot on target that was saved by the keeper.
Eder Militao – 7: Another debutant. He played good and showed that he can definitely start vs PSG alongside Varane.
Luka Jovic – –: He was brought on in the 83rd minute and didn’t have much time to influence the proceedings of the match. He had very limited time so he cannot be rated.