Real Madrid won their fourth straight game back from the break with a professional performance against Mallorca.
Real Madrid’s win against Mallorca means that they are back at the top of La Liga. Zinedine Zidane mentioned right before they returned to action against Eibar that Los Blancos had to win eleven finals to make the dream of the La Liga title a reality.
It is now four games down and four straight wins for the Merengues after two fantastic goals from Vinicius Junior and Sergio Ramos.
Zidane decided to rotate his squad and give Toni Kroos a rest. Casemiro was unavailable due to suspension, so Zidane was forced to start Fede Valverde alongside Luka Modric in a double pivot with Vinicius and Gareth Bale on the wings.
Eden Hazard was back in the starting lineup alongside Karim Benzema. Ferland Mendy replaced Marcelo in the left-back position. Here is how the players performed.
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois – 7/10
Thibaut Courtois is making a habit of coming up with at least one big save every game. He made a beauty of a save in the 10th minute when Baba smashed one from distance. He went full stretch and kept the ball out of the net with his fingertips.
The Belgian international was up to the task when called upon and also looked comfortable on his feet. Courtois had a total of four saves on his way to yet another clean sheet. Los Blancos’ shot-stopper now has 13 clean sheets in 18 games this season.
Defenders
Dani Carvajal – 6.5/10
Dani Carvajal did not have his best game against Mallorca. He struggled to contain Lago Junior throughout the game. Junior dribbled past the Spaniard twice in three attempts.
However, he kept his chin up and prevented two crosses from getting into the box and also made a vital block.
Sergio Ramos – 8/10
Is there anything that ‘Captain Fantastic’ cannot do? Sergio Ramos scored Los Blancos’ second goal from a free-kick with a picture-perfect curler into the top left corner of the net. The Spanish international has 69 La Liga goals to his name, most by any defender in the history of the competition.
Defensively, Ramos got pestered by Takefusa Kubo the entire game. Ramos had a hard time containing the Japanese Wizard as Kubo twisted and turned and kept the Royals Whites backline guessing. Kubo dribbled past him twice, but the Real Madrid captain made up for it by getting into sound defensive positions to make three clearances and two interceptions.
Raphael Varane – 7.5/10
It was another solid day at the office for the French World Cup winner. Raphael Varane hardly puts a foot wrong in the defense. He is always reliable and mops up everything that gets past his teammates.
His speed is electrifying and his reading of the game is unmatched. Varane won five aerial duels and had four clearances in the match.
Ferland Mendy – 6.5/10
Ferland Mendy kept things clean and simple as usual. While he had a tough task to keep Kubo quiet and the Real Madrid loanee had many tricks up his sleeve, Mendy did not get dribbled past once during the match.
The French left-back had two tackles and one clearance in the 90 minutes. Mendy also created a fantastic opportunity for Karim Benzema early in the first half with an accurate cross.
Midfielders
Fede Valverde – 6.5/10
Fede Valverde played alongside Modric in a double pivot in the absence of Casemiro and did a respectable job. He kept things simple and did what he needed to.
The Uruguayan international completed 93 percent of his attempted passes, had two successful tackles, and one completed dribble.
Luka Modric – 7.5/10
Luka Modric is still delivering some standout performances in his mid-thirties. The Croatian was excellent in the first half helping Los Blancos move the ball vertically and creating danger in the Mallorca’s half.
Modric’s vision found Vinicius with a fantastic through ball that the Brazilian converted with a lovely chip over the goalkeeper. The former Balon D’or winner had a 93 percent pass accuracy, two dribbles completed, and two tackles in the match.
Wingers
Vinicius Junior – 8.5/10
Vinicius Junior is such an explosive player. He never hesitates to take on his marker and is always trying to create danger in the attacking half. He completed two dribbles in the match and also scored a goal with a brilliant chip from a tight angle.
Vinicius is the most dangerous player for Los Blancos and he keeps getting better with every passing game. The Brazilian was a little unfortunate not to get his second goal as his second chip of the match hit the crossbar.
The young winger also provided two key passes during the match.
Gareth Bale – 6.5/10
Gareth Bale had his most improved performance of the season. While he was not explosive time offensively, he was tactically excellent as a two-way presence for Zidane’s side.
Bale’s only shot on target was a stinger from outside the box that was saved by Manolo Reina. It was a glimpse of what a confident Bale can do.
Forwards
Eden Hazard – 6.5/10
Eden Hazard did not have the most influential game. He had his good moments with some quick touches and lovely one-twos but did not find his rhythm in the No.10 position.
He completed only one dribble and had one shot on target in the 60 minutes he was on the pitch.
Karim Benzema – 7/10
Karim Benzema had a great first half. He had a shot early on that was saved by Reina and a beautiful through ball to Vinicius that warranted an assist. However, the Brazilian’s effort bounced out of the crossbar. As usual, he looked good with his link-up plays.
The Merengues’ forward faded in the second half and was not involved as much. Benzema had another shot on target, but it was not his best effort.
Substitutes
Toni Kroos – 6/10
Toni Kroos came on in the 60th minutes for Eden Hazard. The German was a much-needed addition to the lineup at a time when they needed to regain control of the midfield.
While Kroos’ presence helped improve the Real Madrid midfield, it was not his best cameo. He got himself booked for a clumsy tackle as well.
Isco – 6.5/10
Isco made a surprise comeback from injury four days after he was diagnosed with a hamstring problem. He looked sharp and energetic as soon as he came in for Modric. He picked up right where the Croatian left off and helped manage the game with Kroos.
He also had a delightful one-two with Marco Asensio, but the former Mallorca man had a heavy touch and lost the ball. Isco did well to spread the ball around with two accurate long passes and completed 93 percent of his passes in the short time he was on the field.
Marcos Asensio – 5.5/10
Marco Asensio is still getting settled after his return from injury. Some of his touches still lack finesse and he will need more playing time to be back in full match fitness.
Brahim Diaz – N/A
Brahim Diaz had only nine minutes on the field and had a shot on target and looked lively. However, it was not enough time to make a huge impact.
Mariano Diaz – N/A
Similar to Brahim, Mariano did not have enough time on the pitch to make an impact.