Real Madrid: Player Ratings from the 2-0 win over Gladbach

Real Madrid finish top of their group after a splendid performance to defeat Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League, and they qualify for the knockout stages.

Two goals from Karim Benzema handed Real Madrid a 2-0 win against Borussia Monchengladbach at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano and qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League. Zinedine Zidane’s men needed to show their worth in the final group stage match, and they delivered on the night.

Here is how the Real Madrid players performed.

Manager

Zinedine Zidane – 9/10

Credit where credit is due. This ensuring win against Gladbach was as much Zidane’s as it was his players. The Frenchman prepared his team well for the match, and it showed right from the start. Real Madrid pressed high up the pitch and made Monchengladbach’s time uncomfortable playing out of the back.

In the second half, after securing a two-goal lead, Zidane opted for more control, allowing his players to relax and control the tempo of the match. There were rumors that his job was on the line, and Zidane sent his team out to put on a convincing display to quash those rumors for now.

Players

Thibaut Courtois – 7.5/10

Courtois did not have much to do during the match, but he was reliable when needed. He came out of the lines and made himself big in a one-on-one situation in the first half to prevent Glabbach from scoring. The Belgian looked comfortable with the ball on his feet on the night.

Lucas Vazquez – 8.5/10

Lucas Vazquez continues to surprise his doubters with excellent performance in the right-back position. He completely neutralized Marcus Thuram, and he was lively in the opposing half. The Spaniard provided the assist for Real Madrid’s opener and also hit the post in the second half. He had five key passes in the match.

Raphael Varane – 7.5/10

Varane followed up a firm performance against Sevilla with another encouraging performance against Monchengladbach. He positioned himself well throughout the match and took care of everything that came his way.

Sergio Ramos – 8/10

It is astounding what a difference one man makes. Sergio Ramos’s influence in this Real Madrid team on the field is second to none. El Capitan was back and put on an assured performance, helping guide the team to a rare clean sheet in the Champions League this season.

Ferland Mendy – 7/10

Mendy is ever-reliable at the back. Defensively there is probably no other left-back that matches his durability, and he looked confident dealing with Alassane Plea and Co. with ease completing four tackles. However, his ability in the final third still needs to be improved. His passing was also a suspect on the night.

Casemiro – 6/10

Casemiro did not look at his best against Gladbach. He did not have to defensive numbers that so often stand out. The Brazillian was also a liability on the ball as he gave away possession multiple times with his poor passing.

Luka Modric – 9/10

Luka Modric is a magnificent player. At 35 years of age, the Croatian international still performs like he is in his prime. Modric completely controlled the game did not put a foot wrong. He was the architect for Real Madrid, and every play flowed through him. He completed four dribbles in the match.

Toni Kroos – 8.5/10

Toni Kroos switched plays for fun and had an incredible passing game. He helped Modric dictate the play while completing 97 percent of his 99 passes. He also completed a joint high five key passes in the match, per Sofascore.com.

Rodrygo – 7/10

Rodrygo, along with Vazquez, stamped their authority on the right-hand side. The Brazillian completed a wonderful two-way performance and also earned an assist for Benzema’s second goal.

Vinicius Junior – 6.5/10

Vinicius Junior seemed subdued in the first half but slowly came to life as the game went on. He started taking on his markers, completed three dribbles, and looked threatening in the final third but continues to lack the final output.

Karim Benzema – 9/10

Karim Benzema put out a talismanic performance when Real Madrid needed one. Los Blancos needed to score to win, and the Frenchman scored twice. He almost completed his hat-trick but was denied by the crossbar. He was also heavily involved in the buildup and provided five key passes.

Substitutes

Sergio Arribas – N/A

Arribas made his Champions League debut when he replaced Rodrygo in the 73rd minute. It should be a special night for the youngster, and he should cherish the moment.

Marco Asensio – N/A

Asensio came in with just over 15 minutes remaining and did not have much time to gain a rating. He looked sharp and made some good movements in the little time he was on the pitch.