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

CDM Casemiro

The real Man of the Match even if he had an early goal disallowed due to offsides, Casemiro continues to show why he’s the best defensive midfielder in the world. He turned up the heat in the second half on both ends of the pitch and was instrumental in Real Madrid bouncing back in the second 45. He was as brilliant as ever defensively and increased his activity in the attack, showing off his legendary work rate. Casemiro finished with two interceptions and three dribbles completed.

Rating: 8.0 out of 10

CM Luka Modric

A poor performance from Luka Modric, who was booked for bellowing at the linesman. Modric was wildly ineffective in the attack and was reduced to sideways passing. As usual, Modric was bullied out of the match by a more physical opponent, and his game lacked the clever touches that are normally his trademark. He’s had a good season and is much better than this performance indicates, but this was a game for Fede Valverde and not him.

Rating: 5.0 out of 10

CM Toni Kroos

Brilliant. Toni Kroos was clearly the difference in this game, providing Real Madrid’s best opportunities via his set pieces deliveries. All of his corners and indirect free kicks landed their mark as threatening, as Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema had clear-cut opportunities from Kroos’ right boot. And Kroos had the decisive assist on a recycled cross after another good corner, setting up Nacho perfectly.

Kroos finished with a 97.8% pass completion percentage on a team-high 90 passes. Out of his six crosses, four met their mark. He completed all eight of his long balls. Oh, and he had four key passes to lead the team. What a player.

Rating: 8.0 out of 10