Real Madrid: 3 takeaways from a fortunate win over Real Valladolid

Casemiro and Toni Kroos world-class again

Real Madrid would not have won this match without Thibaut Courtois, but the same can be said about a duo of midfielders in Toni Kroos and Casemiro.

Late in the first-half, Kroos had another perfect free kick delivery for Casemiro, who missed an easy header, much to his frustration. That miss proved to be foreshadowing, as the Real Madrid defensive midfielder redeemed himself by converting a more difficult headed chance off a Kroos free kick in the second half.

Now tied with Youssef En-Nesyri for the most headed goals in La Liga, Casemiro has five league goals and is Real’s leading scorer with Karim Benzema currently injured. His clutch scoring has been invaluable to Real Madrid this season.

Of course, Casemiro did more than score against Real Valladolid. He had three tackles and three interceptions, including a series of great plays in his own box.

Kroos helped out defensively, too, with four tackles, which was second-most on the team behind right back Lucas Vazquez. Offensively, he was exquisite and thus a candidate for Man of the Match behind Courtois with four key passes. Kroos really should’ve had an assist, but Asensio and Mariano Diaz could not stay onside. Nevertheless, Madridistas watching the match were thrilled with another classy display from the German international.