Real Madrid went up against Levante on Matchday 25 as they looked to stay atop of the table. Here’s a look at the player ratings from the loss.
Defence
Thibaut Courtois – 5
With Madrid dominating possession there wasn’t much for the Belgian keeper to do but when he was needed most he fell short of the mark. There’s no doubt it was a great goal but getting beat on a half-volley at the near post is never the type of goal you want to concede. The goal meant Madrid surrendered all three points.
Dani Carvajal – 7
Like much of the rest of the team it was a dominant performance from Real Madrid. Carvajal moved up the flank well and combined with Modric and Isco pinging the ball around the Levante box in an effort to break the lines of the defence.
Raphael Varane – 6.5
It was a good performance from Varane but keeping Jose Luis Morales onside to run onto the ball that was sent in over the top resulted in the lone goal of the game. Let’s hope he’s a little more cognizant of his surroundings next time out.
Sergio Ramos – 7
El Capitan was strong but even he was unable to provide some late-game heroics to salvage a point for Madrid. For the most part, he and Varane did well to hold down the fort but he wasn’t able to chase down Morales who burst towards goal before hitting his volley into the back of the net.
Marcelo – 7
Marcelo looked fresh after appearing to be a little off the beat for most of the season. Like Carvajal he ventured forward, linking well with Hazard and Kroos as the trio looked to get Benzema into a goal-scoring position.
Midfield
Luka Modric – 7
The Croatian may be getting up there in age but he isn’t letting that stop him as he continues to make a positive impact on the pitch. During his 80 minutes on the pitch, he helped create chances for others and nearly a goal for himself.
Casemiro – 7
Once again a very important figure in the middle of the park for Real Madrid, Casemiro led the team interceptions with four to his name. His yellow card was a little harsh but won’t jeopardise his eligibility for the Clasico.
Toni Kroos – 6.5
It wasn’t the most inventive game for the German who is usually the heart and soul of the attack for Real with just one key pass over 90 minutes.
Attack
Isco – 7.5
Back in Zidane’s good graces but without his shaggy beard, Isco was one of the finest players in white with the highest number of chances created. He looked just a half-step off the beat in a couple of instances but roamed the pitch looking to help spark something and make use of Madrid’s dominant possession.
Karim Benzema – 6
It’s harsh to say that Benzema was the worst player for Madrid. But, when the final whistle is blown and you think ‘who could have salvaged this for Real Madrid?’ it is clearly Karim. The number nine had several clear cut chances but didn’t convert on them, chances that fans have seen him burry time and again.
Eden Hazard 7.5
Hazard could easily have led the game in dribbles if he wasn’t constantly being hacked down by his opponents. His quick bursts of speed and fancy footwork proved to be troublesome but looked shy to pull the trigger in front of goal. Finally, it’s clear that the chemistry between Hazard and Benzema still need some work and his time out due to injury stunted that.