Real Madrid’s player ratings as they fought to a 1-0 win against Real Valladolid in the Estadio De Stefano with a 65th-minute winner from Vinicius Junior.
Real Madrid extended its La Liga unbeaten streak to 14 games after beating Valladolid at home. The first half finished scoreless, but a 65th-minute goal from Vinicius was enough for Los Blancos to get all three points from the match.
Zinedine Zidane made several changes to the team from the match against Real Betis. Eden Hazard got dropped from the squad after he picked up another injury in training. The Frenchman rotated both fullbacks as he started Alvaro Odriozola and Marcelo.
Isco got the nod ahead of Martin Odegaard while Luka Jovic made it to the starting eleven for the second straight match. Here is how the players performed.
Manager
Zinedine Zidane – 7/10
Once again, Zidane got his substitutions spot on. The Real Madrid manager started Luka Jovic for the second straight game, and it seems to have given the Serbian some confidence. He was a bright spot for Los Blancos and looked like the most likely threat in front of the goal. However, Real Madrid went into the half goalless.
Zidane’s introduction of Asensio and Vinicius stretched the game and caused Valladolid problems at the back. The young Brazillian scored the game-winner.
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois – 8.5/10
Courtois continues to stake his claim as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. His confidence in front of the sticks keeps Real Madrid’s defense calm and cool. The Belgian made five fantastic saves to help Los Blancos win the game.
Defenders
Alvaro Odriozola – 7/10
Odriozola had a great game on both sides of the ball. He had a couple of great sequences in defense and showed his pace when he tracked back to deny a counter-attack. The Spaniard also proved to be a constant outlet in attack and made some great runs. He was only let down by his final ball into the box.
Raphael Varane -7.5/10
Raphael Varane continued his excellent form in the backline. He completed four clearances and three interceptions in the match.
Sergio Ramos – 7.5/10
El Capitan stood toe-to-toe with his defensive partner. Ramos hardly put a foot wrong at the back. He completed six clearances and won two aerial duels.
Marcelo – 7/10
Marcelo got his first start of the season and looked eager to establish his case as a starter. He did not give away much in the back and looked solid in the attack. The veteran left-back completed two dribbles and a key pass. He also came close to opening the score for Los Blancos early in the first half.