LW Vinicius Jr.
Vinicius Jr. hasn’t been his usual self these past few weeks, passing up on shooting opportunities and not making as many grand take-ons. And yet he continues to make a difference in key moments. Last week, he had the assist for Karim Benzema’s winning goal at Vallecas. And this week, he won a penalty so that Karim Benzema could seal the game at 3-0.
Rating: 6.5
CF Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema had a slow start to the game, so it looked like the world-class No. 9 may have another quiet performance. But as we all know, Benzema is always good for a big play or two.
He nearly put Real in the lead 2-1 in the first half, seconds after Eduardo Camavinga’s wondergoal from beyond the box. That goal, however, was disallowed, as was a goal in the second half.
Benzema had a brace of disallowed goals, but his penalty ensured that he would not leave the game empty-handed. The French striker now has 20 goals and 10 assists on the season for Real Madrid, making him LaLiga’s most productive player and the clear favorite to win the coveted Pichichi trophy.
Healthier than he was in the first leg – when he really should not have been playing – Benzema can be the difference Real need to turn the tie vs. PSG at the Santiago Bernabeu this Wednesday.
Rating: 7.5
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RW Rodrygo Goes
While Marco Asensio was the one who scored – with his first touch off the bench to add to his reputation as something of a super-sub – Rodrygo Goes showed why he should remain in the starting conversation on the right wing. Real Madrid scored three goals before Rodrygo made way for the ex-Mallorca man, and that is because of all the little things the Brazilian does to make his team better.
Rodrygo’s pressing created chances for Madrid, and the width and playmaking he provides also benefited the forwards and midfielders. Real Madrid have more space when Rodrygo plays, which significantly helps the attack. Madridistas do not underestimate that, and they are appreciative of how Rodrygo helped the team in this lovely 4-1 win over La Real at the Bernabeu.
Rating: 7.0