Real Madrid needed a great response after their debacle in Paris earlier this week, and it seemed like Madridistas would leave disappointed with the team again after watching a lethargic first half. Los Blancos were suffering from the same issues through the first 45, sleepwalking through the match and failing to create anything of note.
That all changed in the second half after a fantastic goal from Marco Asensio, followed by an even better team goal that involved Fede Valverde, Asensio, Karim Benzema (assist), and Vinicius Jr. (goal). And then Benzema sealed the game beyond all doubt very late with a penalty that Rodrygo Goes won.
With a 3-0 win led by a strong second half, Real Madrid can feel better about themselves coming out of LaLiga’s Matchday 25. But because the first half was so poor, Madridistas won’t be resting too easily.
GK Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois was called into action a couple of times and made one save on a breakaway, but this was a comparatively quiet day for the Belgian.
Rating: 7.0
LB Ferland Mendy
Ferland Mendy was subbed off early for Marcelo, as he has been playing through an injury. The reality is that Mendy was quite poor, making laughably wayward crosses and wandering offsides too often, which should not be a common occurrence for a defensive left back. He looked totally out of it at times on offense, both on and off the ball. A day to forget, but, understandably, he is not playing at 100 percent.
Rating: 5.0
CB David Alaba
David Alaba was the best player on the pitch. The veteran center back was so consistent throughout the 90 minutes, which honestly cannot be said about the forwards, whose ratings are buoyed by the goals in the second alf.
He was everywhere in this match, working hard to quickly recover the ball for his team and even get up the field. Without Toni Kroos’, Alaba’s ability to control matches in central defense became that much more important. He completed about 96 percent of his passes.
Rating: 8.0
CB Eder Militao
Another solid day from Eder Militao, who continues to be a steady hand for Real Madrid. He nearly did make a mistake in his own half by attempting an ill-advised chop move while under pressure, but he recovered like a veteran with some body English to draw a foul.
Militao keeps on earning rave reviews from Madridistas and, now, fans beyond the club. The 24-year-old won two tackles and two interceptions and is really coming into his own this season.
Rating: 7.5
RB Dani Carvajal
After an embarrassing display against PSG which was preceded by another less-than-convincing performance, Dani Carvajal was much better against Alaves. He was calm defensively, albeit against an easy matchup, and was active offensively. He put in a handful of crosses and, like Militao, won a pair of tackles and interceptions for his team.
Rating: 7.0