Celta Vigo 1-2 Real Madrid: Player Ratings as Courtois, penalties save the day
LW Vinicius Jr.
I usually give Vinicius Jr. high marks, but I thought he was pretty poor against Celta Vigo. The second-best player in LaLiga, Vinicius was not much of a threat and spent a lot of time engaging in petty wars with Celta Vigo players, which threw him off his game. He was whistled for six fouls, drawing only three. That’s the return you expect from a defensive midfielder like Casemiro and not a creative left winger. Vini, in truth, did not create anything for himself or his teammates, and he did not even win one of the three penalties. He did, however, lose the ball frequently. This was a game to forget for the standout forward.
Rating: 4.0
CF Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema converted two of his three penalties, missing the one in between because he did not take notice of the keeper’s (very) early dive. If you are not going to look at where the keeper is going before shooting, then you had better get the power and placement exactly right. Benzema did not do this.
But nevertheless, the Pichichi leader now has 24 goals on the season and continues to be decisive for Real Madrid. As with Thibaut Courtois, you cannot imagine this side without Benz. He is just too important. In addition to the two goals, he had two key passes, working hard for the team, even if there wasn’t much out there for him besides the penalty chances.
Rating: 7.0
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RW Marco Asensio
What more can I say about this guy? He is truly not good enough. I mean it. Marco Asensio has no business being offered a contract extension this summer. Once again, he was invisible for stretches of the match, mercifully subbed at the hour mark, with Real Madrid improving significantly upon Rodrygo Goes’ inclusion into the match on the right wing.
I am not sure there is a worse starter at a forward position among the top Champions League teams than Asensio. His performances against PSG should have been enough reason to never start him again. This display at Balaidos really should seal his fate – and his future in Madrid. I cannot overemphasize this point. He is not good enough.
Rating: 3.0