Real Madrid Player Ratings: Los Blancos dominate Atletico in El Derbi

Real Madrid is still the crown in El Derbi as they defeat Atletico Madrid 2-0 with a commanding performance at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.

Real Madrid looked back to their best against Atletico Madrid after a 2-0 home win in the first El Derbi of the 2020/2021 season. Los Blancos ended Atletico’s 26 matches unbeaten streak in La Liga after Casemiro struck in the first half and Jan Oblak conceded an own goal following a thunderous strike from Dani Carvajal in the second.

Los Blancos made life uncomfortable for Diego Simeone’s men from the opening whistle, and the midfield duo of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric had complete command over the tempo of the game.

Here is how the Real Madrid players performed.

Manager

Zinedine Zidane – 9/10

Zidane got his tactics spot on once again against his city rivals. The Merengue’s manager set his team out for success from the get-go with a high press that was pleasantly implemented by his players in the first half causing Atletico all sorts of discomfort.

His players dominated the match throughout and saw out the 2-0 win with ease. The only concern for Zidane will be the lack of goals and enough clear goal-scoring opportunities for his forwards.

Players

Thibaut Courtois – 7.5/10

Courtois did not have much to do in terms of protecting his net, but he did make a fantastic save to deny Saul’s header late in the game.

Dani Carvajal – 8/10

Carvajal returned from injury and showed how important he is to the team. The Spaniard looked defensively comfortable, but his offensive contribution seemed lacking in the first half.

However, he improved in that aspect in the second half. Carvajal’s thunderous strike from outside the box resulted in Real Madrid’s second goal. He also completed a key pass and won five tackles.

Raphael Varane – 8.5/10

The Frenchman has now completed three massive performances in a trot. Varane looked firm at the back again, and having Ramos beside him has elevated his game to the next level.

The Real Madrid center-back duo played Luis Suarez and Joao Felix out of the park forcing Diego Simeone to take them before the game ended.

Sergio Ramos – 8.5/10

It was another captain’s performance from Sergio Ramos. His leadership is vital for Real Madrid, and having him back from injury at the most important matches of the season so far has been a boost for Zidane.

Ramos won three tackles, three interceptions, and completed two clearances against the city rivals.

Ferland Mendy – 7.5/10

Mendy had another solid outing for the Royal Whites. Nothing got past him and neutralized Marcos Llorente.

He also played several line-breaking passes in the final third. He got fouled three times, one of which eventually led to the second goal.

Casemiro – 7.5/10

Casemiro opened Real Madrid’s goal with a lovely header from Kroos’s inch-perfect corner. He positioned himself well to shield Los Blancos’ backline and also got fouled four times.

However, his tackles were not up to his high standards on the day. The Brazillian got caught with a few mistimed challenges, and he should be considered lucky to have not received a second yellow late in the game.

Luka Modric – 7.5/10

Luka Modric did not have the same influence he did against Gladbach but still managed to show his class alongside Toni Kroos and helped Real Madrid dominate the game.

It is incredible to see how at the age of 35, the former Balon D’or winner still manages to find the energy and high performance while starting his ninth match in 24 days.

Toni Kroos – 9/10

The German sniper had another massive performance in the middle of the pitch. Kroos finally earned his long due assist in La Liga this season after he put the ball on a platter for Casemiro’s opener from the corner.

He completed 96 percent of his passes along with all 12 of his longballs. Kroos completely dominated the midfield and dictated the play for the entirety of the match.

Lucas Vazquez – 7.5/10

Vazquez got the reward for his hard work as a makeshift right-back with a starting berth in the right midfielder. He built on the back of his magnificent performance against Borussia Monchengladbach and put on another top shift.

Vazquez, along with Carvajal, completely shut down the right flank for Atletico. He completed two key passes and won six tackles.

Vinicius Junior – 6.5/10

Vinicius Junior had some fun moments but failed to impress overall. He completed two dribbles and worked hard to help Mendy keep the left flank locked.

Karim Benzema – 8/10

Benzema might not have gotten in the scoresheet on the night, but his performance was anything less than spectacular. He ran circles around Atletico players with his combination and linkup play with Kroos and Modric.

His passing was on point, and he was always available as an outlet for a vertical pass. The Real Madrid forward also had a brilliant strike that was gloriously saved by Jan Oblak.

Substitutes

Marco Asensio – N/A

Marco Asensio came in for Carvajal in the 79th minute and helped Los Blancos see out the match.

Rodrygo – N/A

Rodrygo came in along with Asensio and similarly helped see out the match.

Fede Valverde – N/A

Fede Valverde came in with few minutes to spare. It is good to see him back in action.