Real Madrid vs. Celta Vigo: Player Ratings from 2-2 draw

LW Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard was fabulous in this game and easily Real Madrid’s best player. He was dangerous, causing all sorts of problems for Celta’s back three, which did a great job defending everyone else. The Belgian international had a team-high three key passes with two dribbles completed and two fouls drawn. One of those fouls drawn led to the go-ahead penalty, though that play was more about Celta’s keeper making a mistake than Hazard bamboozling the defense.

Still, Real are a much better team in the attack with Hazard in the lineup. His quick interchanges, dribbling ability, and work rate in the final third are outstanding.

Rating: 8.0 out of 10

RW Gareth Bale

Poor again. How can Real Madrid justify giving Gareth Bale minutes when he looks lifeless in just about every game? Worse yet, he should have been red-carded for a disgraceful tackle on Rafinha, as he had no chance of winning the ball. It was a tackle from behind with seemingly no intent than to either injure the player or to show frustration.

Bale had a couple of bright passes and recorded four dribbles, but those dribbles didn’t go anywhere. He also missed a clear-cut chance that Hazard did ever-so-well to create.

Rating: 4.0 out of 10

CF Karim Benzema

While Karim Benzema has become magnet for criticism by Madridistas frustrated with his desire to drift to the left, he should not be blamed. Benzema was dangerous inside the box and showed great intelligence and ball control, as well as chemistry with the returning Hazard.

There were times when Benzema should have stepped up, but he grew into the game over time. He’ll have better games in the coming weeks, but fans should be careful about criticizing him. Benz played a vital role in the build-up to Kroos’ goal.

Rating: 6.5 out of 10