Real Madrid defeated Rayo Vallecano for their second straight underwhelming 2-1 victory. Los Blancos could have easily lost this game, too, if it weren’t for the heroics of superstar midfielder Toni Kroos. Not only did the No. 8 score the opener with perfect technique, but he had a massive goal-line clearance in the final minutes of the match.
Here are the player ratings from another performance that just wasn’t quite up to the standards Real Madrid should be setting, yet was still filled with quality individual displays. And that can be summed up by the team creating chances and playing beautiful football, yet failing to finish and playing disorganized defensively in the final minutes. That’s where the standards have fallen short, and that’s where the work must still be done.
GK Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois had another very good game in between the sticks, and it is frustrating that he is not getting credit for clean sheets. After the Kroos clearance, Courtois made a huge save on a deflected longshot that was more difficult than it may have seemed.
Rating: 7.5
LB Ferland Mendy
Ferland Mendy was solid defensively but subpar offensively. He seemed to stumble over the ball and was too cautious to put in crosses. That said, he nearly had a role in a team goal for the ages with a backheel, though Karim Benzema could not find the finish.
Rating: 6.5
CB David Alaba
David Alaba had one of the best assists you’ll see this season in any league. He popped up on the left flank, a very familiar spot for him, and delivered a pretty, David Beckham-esque early cross. Alaba picked out Karim Benzema’s perfectly-timed run with such precision that Benz could basically walk the ball into the net. Alaba was solid defensively and should not be faulted for Radamel Falcao’s goal, even if he was the closest man to the legendary LaLiga striker.
Rating: 7.5
CB Eder Militao
Eder Militao did not have an assist, but he was even more assured defensively than Alaba. The Brazilian central defender has been in great form, and he is more willing than ever to try risky passes out.
Rating: 7.0
RB Dani Carvajal
Dani Carvajal struggled against Shakhtar Donetsk at mid-week, but he more than made up for it with a brilliant performance against Rayo Vallecano. He never gave up on a play, exemplified by when he fought with a Rayo defender to win the ball in the opposition’s penalty area, before delivering a pass that Marco Asensio could have easily put away. Carvajal finished the match with five tackles, two interceptions, and two key passes. He is Real Madrid’s best crosser.
Rating: 8.0