Real Madrid Player Ratings From A Hard-Earned 2-0 Victory Vs. Granada

Real Madrid produced a very good second-half performance to collect three more points.

Real Madrid continue to march on in La Liga as their 2-0 victory over a plucky Granada side saw them win their fifth consecutive league game and sixth consecutive game in all competitions, staying joint at the top with rivals Atlético Madrid in the league table, although they have two games in hand.

Granada matched Real Madrid head-to-toe in the first half, and one could even argue that they were the better team overall in the first period. They should have been ahead by at least one goal heading into halftime.

However, Real Madrid players upped the ante in the second half and motored through the gears to choke Granada, forcing them to succumb. Casemiro’s outrageous leap for a header broke the deadlock, and then it was simply a case of getting the job done in the same way that they did at the end of last season.

As has been the trend in recent matches, Real Madrid put curtains on the opposition by scoring a goal in the stoppage time courtesy of a brilliant Karim Benzema effort. The game was an intense physical battle, and Los Blancos were very lucky to come away unscathed – except of course Rodrygo’s injury.

The player ratings can be found below:

Thibaut Courtois – 6.5

Was really lucky to come away with a clean sheet as the Granada players showed a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal. There was this one occasion where he was trying to get hold of the ball but couldn’t, leaving Kenedy with a big chance on the goal.

Dani Carvajal – 7

A pretty decent game from Carvajal. He was solid defensively and linked up well in attack as well. Did well to win his battle against a menacing player in Kenedy. He is showing why he is such a valuable member of the XI. Finished the game with 2 key passes and 3 clearances, although his chested pass to Varane in the second half could’ve spelled doom for the team.

Raphaël Varane – 5

I don’t know what is wrong with Varane. He just doesn’t seem to be focused at the moment, even though Real Madrid find themselves in the middle of a great run. He had 5 ball losses in the first 20 minutes alone, a cause of big concern for Zidane. His mistakes could’ve cost Real Madrid at least two goals.

Sergio Ramos – 7.5

Pretty secure in defence and helped the team build from the back. Had 9 long balls completed with an 81.8% accuracy and was reliable in defence as always. Finished with 3 interceptions and 2 clearances.

Ferland Mendy – 7

Mendy has two sides to his game – a wall in defence but not that influential in attack. The same two sides were on display tonight as well. However, he drew the most fouls (4) of any Real Madrid player and had the joint second-most touches on the ball (89). He is the undisputed left-back of the team.

Casemiro – 8

There was a period in November where he was dropped to the bench, becoming dispensable to Zidane. However, today’s game was a perfect example of why Casemiro is so crucial to this team. Yeah, he is still not at his best, maybe at 85-90%, but he brings so much to the team. His astonishing leap for the header gave Real Madrid the lead, while he had 4 interceptions too. A big performance from the Brazilian.

Fede Valverde – 6

A subdued performance from the Uruguayan. He failed to impose himself on the game and should have got his name on the scoresheet as well. He hasn’t been convincing since returning from injury.

Toni Kroos – 8

Another masterful performance from the German metronome. Had a team-high 101 touches, completed 3 key passes, had a 93.7% successful passing rate, and completed 8 long balls. He put in a brilliant performance in the absence of a certain Croatian magician.

Lucas Vázquez – 6.5

His crosses were the only threat in a very intriguing first half for Real Madrid. Started his gazillionth successive game but still showed the same amounts of energy in both defence and attack. A good outing from the Spaniard if not great.

Rodrygo – 6.5

What an unfortunate night for the young Brazilian. He was having a good game up until he got injured in the 37th injured. Marco Asensio replaced him as he was stretchered off.

Karim Benzema – 6.75

Gets that extra bit of rating for his game-sealing goal in the stoppage time. It was one of those performances where he wasn’t that involved in the build-up, but his goal was special as he found space near the Granada box and fired from the edge of the box with his weaker left foot. He now has eight goals in the league. Pichichi for him this time?

Substitutes

Marco Asensio – 8.25

Replaced the injured Rodrygo in the 38th minute. He had a stupefying backheel attempt cruelly hit the post during the opening exchanges of the first half when Real Madrid dialed up their intensity by a few notches. However, he registered his first goal/assist of the season after his cross from a tight space near the line found Casemiro. A fantastic performance from the attacker and this will boost his confidence.

Vinícius Júnior – 5.75

Had 12 minutes to impress Zidane and apart from some eye-catchy footwork and a lovely lobbed pass to Ferland Mendy, he didn’t threaten Granada as much.

Isco – 6.25

Isco replaced Fede Valverde in the 78th minute and he would be relieved to get an assist to his name, setting Karim Benzema up for the second goal although, in truth, it was more of Benzema’s ingenuity. Nevertheless, a decent cameo off the bench for Isco.