Real Madrid Player Ratings from 3-1 win vs. Atalanta

Real Madrid makes comfortable work of Atalanta with a 3-1 victory at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano to earn their place in the quarterfinals of the Champions League. Atalanta pressed high early in the match and made life difficult for Los Blancos. Real Madrid struggled to get out of the press, but Gasperini’s men were unable to take advantage of the early pressure, and the Merengues grew into the game, taking control of the game.

Karim Benzema scored the opener from a Luka Modric pass following a giveaway from Marco Sportiello. Sergio Ramos scored from the penalty spot, and Marco Asensio scored the third on either side of Luis Muriels brilliant free-kick goal.

Here is how the Real Madrid players performed.

Thibaut Courtois – 7.5/10

Courtois once again came up clutch with a couple of brilliant saves late in the game to help Real Madrid to victory.

Lucas Vazquez – 6.5/10

Vazquez struggled early in the game as Atalanta targeted his side of the pitch to attack. He was pressured into bad touches several times and dispossessed thrice. He had an easier time on the ball once Real Madrid took control of the game, and he got to contribute in the final third with three key passes.

Raphael Varane – 7/10

Varane was rock solid for the first 70 minutes. He completed four interceptions and eight clearances to help weather off Atalanta’s attack. However, his performance was not flawless. He had a couple of giveaways as well as looked nervy towards the end of the match.

Sergio Ramos – 8.5/10

Ramos came back from injury right on time for Real Madrid’s UCL fixture. He put on a strong performance and led the backline with conviction. The Royal Whites were hardly troubled by Atalanta while Ramos was on the pitch. The Captain completed three interceptions and five clearances in the game. He also scored the penalty to double Real Madrid’s lead.

Nacho Fernandez – 7.5/10

Another day, another cracking performance from Nacho. He has been a consistent presence in Los Blancos’ backline this season and looks ever so worthy of the game time he is receiving. He won four tackles and completed three interceptions against Atalanta. He also burst forward on multiple occasions created danger in the opposition’s half.

Ferland Mendy – 6.5/10

Mendy’s brilliant pass to Vinicius broke the lines leading the Brazillian to win the penalty for the second goal. Other than that, Mendy only had 52 touches in the game, per Whoscored.com.

Luka Modric – 9/10

Modric was a catalyst that allowed Real Madrid to break free of Atalanta’s early pressure and expertly manage the game. He made the interception and followed it up with an assist to Benzema’s opener. The Croatian was also contributed defensively by winning five interceptions and three tackles.

Toni Kroos – 8/10

Kroos is the best at controlling games, and his elite game management abilities were on full display against Atalanta. Real Madrid struggled early on in the first half with Nerazzuri’s high press pinned the Merengues back. However, Kroos, along with Modric, settled into the game and demonstrated total command on the pitch, helping Zidane’s men out of trouble and into cruise control. The German did look a bit exhausted towards the end of the game.

Fede Valverde – 6.5/10

Valverde did not have the high-quality match that his fellow midfielders did but provided the much-needed energy and mobility in the midfield. His bursting pace allowed Real Madrid to break out of press and counter on multiple occasions.

Karim Benzema – 8.5/10

Benzema continued to lead Real Madrid’s attack and score their fifth successive game in all competitions. He made himself available as an outlet at vital moments in the game to help the team get out of Atalanta’s press and became a pivotal component in the buildup. He completed four dribbles and contributed with two key passes.

Vinicius Junior – 8/10

Vinicius had a fantastic game for Real Madrid. He took apart the Atalanta defense on multiple occasions and would have been unhappy with himself to have missed the target after a majestic sequence of dribbling into the box. Moments later, he did brilliantly earn the penalty for Los Blancos’ second goal.

Substitutions

Eder Militao – 6.5/10

Militao replaced Sergio Ramos in the 63rd minute. He did not have much to do until late in the game when Atalanta was desperate to get back in the game.

Rodrygo – N/A

Rodrygo played the last 20 minutes and looked dynamic.

Marco Asensio – N/A

Asensio scored a goal with his first touch of the game to give Real Madrid the 3-1 win.