Real Madrid comes away with a nervy 2-1 win at the Anoeta against Real Sociedad.
Real Madrid came to Anoeta knowing a win against Real Sociedad will take them to the top of the table. Many Madridistas were coy about their chances as so often had Los Blancos failed to take advantage of Barcelona’s dropped points. However, this time the Royal Whites had the character and determination to see out a 2-1 victory over La Real. Real Madrid dug their heels in the mud and fought for a gritty win away from home.
Zinedine Zidane once again threw a surprise by including James Rodriguez in the starting eleven for the first time in 265 days. He also gave Eden Hazard a rest and started Vinicus Jr. on the left. Here is how the players performed.
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois 6.5/10
Thibaut Courtois had very little to do during the game. He was busier with his feet than he was with his hands. The Belgian could have done better with La Real’s goal, but Mikel Merino should get the credit for an excellent strike.
Real Madrid’s No.1 seemed comfortable with his feet and avoided Real Sociedad’s press with ease. He had 45 touches in total. He also showed some quality with his feet finding Vinicius Jr. with a perfect long ball. He completed four long passes in the match.
Defenders
Dani Carvajal – 7/10
Dani Carvajal keeps giving a proper performance in the Real Madrid shirt. He has been excellent since the return of football, and the game against Sociedad was no different.
The Spanish full-back was constantly involved in all of Madrid’s plays. He had the most touches along with Marcelo for Los Blancos. He also completed two tackles, two clearances, two interceptions, and an essential block in the 63rd minute.
Sergio Ramos – 7.5/10
Sergio Ramos had another fantastic game until he got subbed off around the 60th minute. The Spanish international did not let anything pass him. He kept things tight at the back. He also scored a penalty to give Los Blancos the lead.
Unfortunately, his game ended early following an injury to his knee after a clash with Isak.
Raphael Varane – 8/10
The French World Cup winner is the most underrated defender in the world. Raphael Varane gets often overlooked when it comes to the best defenders’ list. However, he proves his worth over and over again.
He has another masterclass in defense for the Merengues. Real Madrid’s No.5 kept danger away from the Royal Whites’ goal. He completed a massive four clearances and four blocks in the match. The Frenchman also had an excellent tackle in a one vs. one against Isak. He was at no fault for La Real’s first and only goal.
Marcelo – 6.5/10
Real Sociedad’s tactic of staying compact and crowding the middle of the park meant that Real Madrid’s full-backs got a lot of the ball. Marcelo had joint-most touches in the game, but he did not make an impact in attack.
The Brazillian had a 77% pass accuracy and completed one of his four long ball attempts.
Midfielders
Casemiro – 6.5/10
Casemiro had one of his rare quiet games this season. He has been one of the best defensive midfielders this season and a vital cog to Zidane’s system.
However, today was not his best game. While he did have two successful tackles, two clearances, and three blocks, those numbers are low compared to the standards he has set.
Toni Kroos – 6.5/10
Toni Kroos had an outstanding performance against Valencia. He failed to live up to the same expectation against La Real. He still managed a respectable 92% passing accuracy, but he did not impose himself as Madridistas are used to seeing from the German.
Fede Valverde – 7/10
Fede Valverde was solid in midfield against La Real. He ran himself to the ground and put in a hard shift. He had three key passes and provided an assist for Benzema’s goal.
The Uruguayan’s defensive shift was also commendable. He had two successful tackles and one clearance to help Los Blancos towards victory.
James Rodriguez – 6.5/10
James Rodriguez made a surprise appearance in the starting lineup. James had not seen the starting eleven for 265 days. He got his opportunity but failed to capitalize on it in the first half. The Columbian seemed out of touch and lacked match fitness.
The former Monaco star stepped up his intensity in the second half. He pressed better and put on some necessary tackles to win the ball in the middle of the field. He was not impactful in the final-third but managed a total of five successful tackles. He did not lack effort.
Forwards
Vinicius Jr. – 8/10
Vinicius Jr. keeps getting better as he gets more game time. What he lacks right now in the final ball, he makes up for it with sheer determination and incredible skills.
The Brazillian winger was Real Madrid’s most threatening outlet going forward. He failed his first few attempts at dribbling past his marker, but he kept getting up and did not stop trying. His perseverance finally paid off when Los Blancos got a penalty after Diego Llorente brought Vinicius inside the penalty box. The twenty-year-old winger completed five dribbles during the match.
Karim Benzema – 7.5/10
Karim Benzema is back at his scoring best. He followed his brace against Valencia with a brilliantly taken goal to give Los Blancos a two-goal lead.
Substitutes
Eder Militao – 6/10
Eder Militao came in for the injured Ramos and slotted in at the right-center back position. He dealt with most of the threats that came his way and looked good with the ball on his feet as well.
Marco Asensio – 5.5/10
Marco Asensio came in at the 77th minute, and Madridistas hoped he could repeat his Valencia performance. However, he did not have much influence against La Real. He had a mere six touches in the 18 minutes he was on the pitch.
Mariano – 5.5/10
Similar to Asensio, Mariano did not do much when on the pitch. His best chance of the game came when we got ahead of the last defender and looked to chip the ball over the goalkeeper. His effort was way over the bar.
Luka Modric – N/A
Luka Modric came in for the last few minutes and managed to get booked for complaining about the referee’s decision. He did not have much time to make an impact.
Ferland Mendy – N/A
Ferland Mendy replaced Marcelo in the 89th minute. Slotted in at the left-back and kept things tight to see out the game. He did not spend enough time at the pitch to garner a rating.