Real Madrid won their first Madrid derby in the league at the Santiago Bernabeu since 2012 thanks to Karim Benzema‘s goal in the second half.
Zinedine Zidane started the same lineup as the Super Copa final with five midfielders, with only change for Real Madrid being Karim Benzema up front instead of Luka Jovic. The five in the midfield got overrun by Atletico Madrid’s counter attacks and got paralyzed going forward with nobody occupying the wide spots.
So Zidane addressed this issue with his substitutes at half time as Kroos and Isco made way for Vinicius Jr and Lucas Vazquez respectively. Real Madrid now sit on top of the table with a six-point advantage over Barcelona who have a game in hand.
GK Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois had a good game overall as he made couple of good saves and kept yet another clean sheet. Real Madrid had a nervy start and looked shaky defensively in the first half, but Courtois did well whenever called upon. He wasn’t too busy in the second half as Zidane’s substitutes changed the game.
Rating: 8/10
LB Ferland Mendy
Ferland Mendy had the game of his life today, he was a stalwart defensively as usual and did pretty well against Atletico’s press. Mendy did well going forward and combined well with Vinicius to setup Karim Benzema for the goal. Mendy made a goal-saving interception in the first half when Ramos failed to stop Angelo Correa allowing him to run free. Mendy grew into the game offensively as the second half started and is showing some shades of his offensive game from his Lyon days.
Rating: 9/10
CB Raphael Varane
Varane put in a flawless performance at the heart of Real Madrid’s defence and cleared the danger when the team was struggling defensively. He remains the most in form defender in the world right now alongside Virgil van Dijk. His form is going to prove crucial for the rest of the season and could help Madrid get their first treble hopefully.
Rating: 7.5/10
CB Sergio Ramos
Sergio Ramos had a decent game overall and did well to keep Alvaro Morata and co. at bay. He had some nervy moments in the first half but was covered well by Varane and Mendy. He should have scored in the first half when he failed to finish two really good chances in the opening 15 minutes of the game.
Rating: 7/10
RB Dani Carvajal
Dani Carvajal played well and helped in carrying the right hand side of the team in the first half. He got help from Lucas Vazquez in the second and both combined well on the right hand side to trouble Renan Lodi continuously. He did well defensively and deserved a clean sheet for his performance.
Rating: 7/10