Real Madrid: Player Ratings from a 2-1 El Clasico win

Real Madrid made it two in two against their El Clasico rival Barcelona this season with a 2-1 win at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano. First-half goals from Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos gave Los Blancos a 2-0 lead. Zinedine Zidane’s men terrorized Barcelona with phenomenal play in transition and created numerous goal-scoring opportunities. However, some wasteful finishing meant that they had to hold on to the one-goal advantage after Oscar Mingueza scored one for the Catalans.

Here is how the Real Madrid players performed.

Thibaut Courtois – 8/10

Courtois was vital with two saves from inside the box, denying Lionel Messi from a close range, included. He was also reliable with the ball on his feet and commanded any aerial ball that came his way.

Lucas Vazquez – 7.5/10

Vazquez was an immense presence in the backline as well as in the final third.
He won two tackles and completed two clearances. He also sent a perfect near-post ball for Karim Benzema’s first goal. He had to leave the pitch just before halftime because of a knee injury.

Eder Militao – 7.5/10

Militao has been massive in the past few games for Real Madrid, and it was not different in El Clasico. He had six clearances, three blocks, and won two tackles, per Whoscored.com.

Nacho Fernandez – 6.5/10

Nacho was not a commanding as his center back partner on the day, but he still managed to help Real Madrid put on a strong display in the backline.

Ferland Mendy – 7/10

Mendy often manages to have a solid game without being too flashy. His most important quality in defense (other than his ability to shut down players one-vs-one) is the insight to track his markers off the ball. The French defender prevented several attacking moves just by doing this basic part of the game right.

Casemiro – 7.5/10

Casemiro was once again a behemoth in the middle of the park. He destroyed Barcelona’s attack multiple times.
The defensive midfielder won twelve duels, five interceptions, and four tackles, per Sofascore.com. Although, his two critical decisions earned him a red card late in the game.

Luka Modric – 7.5/10

Luka Modric is an engine that runs forever. He had the most touches out of all the Real Madrid players, and he constantly eased Los Blancos out of tight situations. He completed 3/3 dribbles and won 3/5 duels.

Toni Kroos – 8/10

It was not the most dominating Toni Kroos performance, but he still racked up 93 percent passing accuracy. He was often available to take control and help Real Madrid progress to the final third. The German also scored from a freekick that ultimately ended up being the winning goal.

Fede Valverde – 8/10

Valverde saved his best of the season for El Clasico. He did brilliant work of supporting Vazquez and Odriozola in defense while also being a force in the attacking third.
His fantastic ball-carrying ability was instrumental in dismantling Barcelona’s defense on the first goal.

Vinicius Junior – 7.5/10

Vinicius put on another fantastic display as he keeps gaining confidence. He terrorized the backline often and forced Ronald Koeman to replace Sergino Dest at halftime. He had three dribbles and three key passes in the match.

Karim Benzema – 8/10

Benzema gave Real Madrid the lead with a beautiful backheel to beat Ter Stegen. The Frenchman continued to get involved and create opportunities for Real Madrid in the final third.

Substitution

Alvaro Odriozola – 6.5/10

Odiozola replaced an injured Vazquez right before halftime and did a commendable job to thwart Bluagrana’s attacks.

Marco Asensio – 7/10

Asensio did not see much of the ball as he entered the match with Barcelona players desperate to get an equalizer. But the former Mallorca player contributed defensively, winning two interceptions and one clearance. He also managed to create two opportunities from his six passes.

Isco – N/A

Isco played the last 20 minutes of the game. He did not get on the ball much but did well to put pressure on Ronald Koeman’s players off the ball and had two shots on goal.

Mariano Diaz – N/A

Mariano did not contribute much in the few minutes he was on the pitch.

Marcelo – N/A

Marcelo almost got through on goal but was impeded by Mingueza.