Real Madrid Player Ratings vs. Alaves: David Alaba doesn’t need time to adjust

Real Madrid defeated Deportivo Alaves 4-1 in their opening 2021-2022 LaLiga fixture at the Mendizorroza. They did not score in the first half, but they opened the floodgates in the second, with two goals from Karim Benzema and some stellar individual runs.

This was a highly encouraging first match under Carlo Ancelotti, who likely said something at the break that led to Real Madrid playing with much more confidence and incisiveness in the second half. Real will have tougher challenges, but they did very well to break down a tough Alaves defense on Matchday 1.

Here are the full player ratings from the 4-1 road victory.

GK Thibaut Courtois

He did not look 100 percent comfortable in goal, but he cannot be blamed for the yellow card and penalty. Thibaut Courtois had some good punches and came out to sweep the ball away when he was needed. Overall, an average performance from a great goalkeeper.

Rating: 6.0

LB David Alaba

David Alaba had a couple of nervy moments in transition defense, so he was not perfect. But he was very, very good on both ends of the pitch for Real Madrid. Whereas Ferland Mendy struggles to cross and Marcelo cannot play defense at all, Alaba can do everything at a high level. A breath of fresh air at left back, Alaba had some clever flicks and intelligent interceptions. He would pop up wherever he was needed and picked up a deserved assist with a great delivery for Vinicius Junior late in the match.

Rating: 7.5

CB Eder Militao

Eder Militao had one nice tackle late in the match to stop an Alaves counterattack, but his performance will be marred by a really poor touch back to Courtois that left his goalkeeper exposed. He caused the penalty, but we have to remember to take the mistakes in stride with such a talented young center back.

Rating: 5.0

CB Nacho Fernandez

For my money, the Man of the Match for Real Madrid. After a sensational 2020-2021 season amidst injuries at center back, Nacho led by example on Matchday 1 of the 2021-2022 LaLiga campaign. He made a handful of jaw-dropping tackles and even picked up a goal, scoring with aplomb after latching onto Luka Modric’s left-footed cross with the intent and clinical nature of an experienced striker.

Rating: 8.5

RB Lucas Vazquez

Although Lucas Vazquez suffered from some sloppiness, it was another serviceable performance from the Galician wide man. Per WhoScored.com, he had a pair of key passes and interceptions for his team. Vazquez kept play ticking and did well to help create the opening goal by making sure the ball slid onto the grass into the heart of the area so that either Eden Hazard or Karim Benzema could finish the job.

Rating: 6.5