Real Madrid 4-0 Espanyol: Player ratings as Ceballos, Rodrygo shine in LaLiga-clinching win
In just 34 games, Real Madrid are now Spanish champions, winning it for the 35th time in their history, after defeating Espanyol 4-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu. A brace from Rodrygo Goes, a goal each by Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio made sure that the league leaders finally take the trophy home after a very, very consistent season from the team.
Here are the player ratings for a very rotated side, who are now waiting for Manchester City to come to Spain for the second leg of the Champions League.
GK Thibaut Courtois
Great game from Courtois. Didn’t have a whole lot to do, but was forced to make a bunch of saves for Real Madrid and he did just that. He’s been fantastic all season, and he deserves this trophy as much as anyone else. Best goalkeeper in the world.
Rating: 7.0
RB Lucas Vazquez
Vazquez had an alright game. He didn’t do a lot. He missed some opportunities, but also created some overlaps which were just not utilised by the players. Defensively sound, didn’t have a huge impact, but again, didn’t need to.
Rating: 6.0
CB Casemiro
Carlo Ancelotti chose to play the central defensive midfielder at centre-back rather than Real Madrid Castilla product Mario Gila, who trained with the first team in the last few days because of the shortage of options at the back. But, Casemiro was surprisingly pretty decent there. He obviously didn’t have much to do, but whenever he was called upon, he made an intervention and was pretty good pinging balls into the midfield and attacking thirds. Was subbed off in the 60th minute. It’s good that he got some minutes before the big game vs City.
Rating: 7.0
CB Jesus Vallejo
This was Jesus Vallejo’s first start for Real Madrid this season, and second appearance overall. In fact, he had only played eight minutes in total prior to this game, but honestly, I was surprised by his performance. Vallejo wasn’t bad by any means, and granted it isn’t exactly a very tough opposition, he still had a good game and helped clear out all danger that came towards him. Vallejo is another player that should leave the club, but for some reason or the other, just doesn’t want to. But yeah, great game, surprisingly.
Rating: 7.0
LB Marcelo
Marcelo, the captain, is now the most decorated player in Real Madrid history, and to do it in this game, starting for the club, playing in one of his final games for Real Madrid, in his last season, would just be joyful. He assisted Rodrygo’s first goal, and tried his best to score a goal but unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be. But, it’s really good to see him celebrate his much deserved trophy. Gracias, capitan.
Rating: 7.0