Real Madrid at Real Valladolid Player Ratings from 1-0 win

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VALLADOLID, SPAIN – JANUARY 26: (L-R) coach Zinedine Zidane of Real Madrid, Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid, Nacho of Real Madrid celebrate goal during the La Liga Santander match between Real Valladolid v Real Madrid at the Stadium Jose Zorrilla on January 26, 2020 in Valladolid Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

LB Ferland Mendy

Ferland Mendy struggled in the first half of this game. Whereas he’s usually solid positionally, he was caught out several times defensively in the opening 45 minutes, forcing Sergio Ramos to cover a great deal of ground. However, Mendy improved by the second half. He tied fellow fullback Nacho for a team-high four tackles and also led the club with five dribbles completed, per WhoScored.com.

Rating: 6.5 out of 10

CB Sergio Ramos

The Real Madrid captain had another stellar game defensively, even if he had a couple of nervy moments. Sergio Ramos didn’t get up the pitch as frequently against Valladolid, but he was a calming influence at the back amidst a great deal of pressure from Valladolid.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10

CB Raphael Varane

Likewise, Raphael Varane turned in a solid performance for Los Blancos against Valladolid. He was strong on the ball, intelligent off of it, and made some nice passes. Quick to cut out danger, the France captain led Real Madrid’s back line with five clearances in another under-appreciated display.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10

RB Nacho Fernandez

The official Man of the Match, Nacho scored the decisive goal for Real Madrid by making a wonderful, looping header from a Toni Kroos cross. He also had four tackles and a team-high four interceptions. Nacho didn’t push up the pitch and often pinched inside, leaving space on the right out wide for Valladolid, but it was space that was rarely exploited. Overall, he had a great performance as an emergency right back option for the suspended Dani Carvajal.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10

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