Real Madrid: Player Ratings from 0-1 away win vs. Atalanta

Real Madrid managed to score late through a Ferland Mendy screamer against Atalanta to secure an away win in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 fixture. Los Blancos played most of the match with a man advantage after Remo Freuler received a red card for a foul on Mendy. Atalanta retreated to a low block and frustrated Zinedine Zidane’s men throughout. However, Real Madrid got the win and an away goal advantage through Mendy’s fantastic effort in the 86th minute.

Here is how the Real Madrid players performed.

Thibaut Courtois – 7/10

Real Madrid’s goalkeeper had a quiet night. Courtois did not have a save to make and looked confident coming up to catch the odd aerial balls.

Lucas Vazquez – 7/10

Vazquez had a solid defensive performance but underwhelmed offensively. He won three tackles, two interceptions, and completed two clearances.

Raphael Varane – 8/10

Varane was once again a rock in defense. The French defender led the backline with confidence, completing four clearances and winning four aerial duels. He was also excellent with his distribution as he completed eight out of eight long balls and 93 percent passing accuracy.

Nacho Fernandez – 8/10

Nacho’s performance in recent games has made Madridistas forget about the absence of Sergio Ramos. The Castilla graduate was once again playing his heart out and impressive in his defensive output. He won four tackles and two interceptions.

Ferland Mendy – 9/10

Mendy’s fantastic strike from the 25 yards out with his weak right foot gave Real Madrid the win and a much-needed away goal. He was also astute in his defensive duties and helped his team keep a clean sheet.

Casemiro – 8/10

Casemiro’s contribution in Real Madrid clean sheet against Atalanta is second to none. He won six aerial duels and three interceptions in the game, per Sofascore.com. He also contributed with two key passes.

Luka Modric – 8.5/10

Modric was an engine throughout. He helped Real Madrid control the game and continued to work hard on creating chances. The former Ballon D’or winner created four shooting opportunities for his teammates and assisted Mendy for the winner.

Toni Kroos – 8/10

Kroos was once again at the heart of every play. He completed 94 percent of his passes 138 passes, including four key passes. He also made seven recoveries and won four of his five duels.

Marco Asensio – 4.5/10

Asensio was more involved against here than he was against Valladolid. However, other than the two dribbles he completed, he did not offer much.

Vinicius Junior – 6.5/10

Vinicius won a couple of freekicks in dangerous areas. He had the opportunity to give Real Madrid the lead when a Kroos’ cross fell on his foot, but his shot got blocked.

Isco – 7/10

Isco took some time to get in the game, but he found his rhythm and looked good on the ball. He played some excellent vertical passes and found his teammates in pockets of space. The Spaniard completed four dribbles in the game.

Substitutions

Mariano – 3.5/10

Mariano offered nothing to the team after coming on for Vinicius. He only completed three of his seven passes and gave away the ball on multiple occasions.

Sergio Arribas – N/A

Arribas only had 15 minutes in the match.

Hugo Duro – N/A

Duro made his European debut. He also only spent 15 minutes on the pitch.