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
CM Luka Modric
Modric had a solid enough game. The Croatian handled the pace of the game well, and tried a lot of stuff in the offense. Wasn’t at his best, of course, but he didn’t need to be. Espanyol were never really in the game, so it was light work for the Magician. Had an involvement in the first goal, and was subbed off in the 60th minute, after a standing ovation from the Bernabeu.
Rating: 7.5
CM Eduardo Camavinga
Eduardo Camavinga had another great game for Real Madrid. He was deployed as a CDM in the positional absence of Casemiro, and he did the job exceptionally well. The Frenchman broke down Espanyol’s attacks, covered passing lanes and won the ball on multiple occasions. He also got a very good assist in the third goal, after winning the ball with some help from Luka Modric in the build-up. Weirdly enough, he played as a centre-back for ten to fifteen minutes of the game until he was substituted for the debutant Mario Gila. Excellent yet again. Play him against City.
Rating: 8.0
CM Dani Ceballos
A fantastic performance from Ceballos. Probably his best of the season, I won’t lie. Ceballos was everywhere. He won the ball on so many occasions, and he was so, so good with the ball, completing so many dribbles and passing the ball forward on many occasions. He had a bunch of plays which make us believe why Ancelotti wants him to stay at Real Madrid next season. He won’t be playing a whole lot, but if the Spaniard plays like this each time, then the midfield will have no problem for the forseeable future. Fantastic stuff.
Rating: 8.5
RW Marco Asensio
Another classic Marco Asensio performance. Had a bunch of poor giveaways and passes in the attacking third, but scored a good goal, Real Madrid’s third of the game, to put it to bed and help clinch the title for Real Madrid. He helped create some other chances, though, and had a few shots. Wasn’t the worst player on the pitch, but wasn’t the best either.
Asensio is in talks with the club for a contract extension, and although he doesn’t really deserve one, this would be a step in the right direction for Asensio. Not so much for Madrid, if they are to offer it.
Rating: 6.5
ST Mariano Diaz
Mariano Diaz is a weird football player. He did so many basic things wrong, and in general was a frustrating and frustrated presence. However, he did win the ball for Rodrygo’s second goal, and had a chance where he hit the post, but apart from that, all wrong. Was subbed off in the 60th minute. Worst player for Real Madrid, by a mile.
Rating: 5.5
LW Rodrygo Goes
A man-of-the-match performance from Rodrygo, who was just in the game from the first minute. He responded well after his horror-show vs Manchester City by scoring the first two goals of the game. He was a danger in Espanyol’s box all game, and worked hard off the ball to retain possession. However, he did have a negative contribution to the game when he blocked Diego Lopez’s vision in the build-up to Isco’s goal, which was ruled out because of it. Otherwise though, another great game from Rodrygo on the left flank.
Rating: 8.5
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SUB Karim Benzema
The best player at Real Madrid, the best player in La Liga, and the best player in the world, had another good game, this time off the bench. Created some chances, and scored his 26th goal of his La Liga season with a brilliant finish after a great Vini pass. He also had a great assist to Isco’s disallowed goal.
Rating: 7.0