After losing 1-0 to Atletico Madrid over the weekend in a game they did not seem to care much about, Real Madrid used more of their key players against Levante, who would be relegated with a loss.
Los Blancos did not just beat the Frogs. They destroyed them. It was dominance from start to finish, as Real Madrid won 6-0 in a classic Santiago Bernabeu blowout, which would have been by an even bigger scoreline had it not been for the heroics from Levante’s keeper.
Here are the player ratings from the Merengues’ big win, which included a hat-trick of goals from Vinicius Jr. and a hat-trick of assists by the magical Luka Modric.
GK Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois was only tested a couple of times by Levante, with his best save coming on a one-on-one that was actually offsides. That was still a good opportunity for Courtois to show, once again, why he is the best goalkeeper on the planet.
Rating: 7.0
LB Ferland Mendy
Much better from Ferland Mendy. This was the best he has looked offensively since the 2019/20 season. He took full advantage of being through on goal, didn’t make the mistake of passing, and finished well to give Real Madrid a 1-0 lead. His passing was also accurate.
Rating: 7.5
CB Nacho Fernandez
In a game that was all about the attack, Nacho was tremendous in defense. He put his body on the line and made some great interventions, finishing with two tackles, four interceptions, and three clearances. He was also composed and effective on the ball, moving up and down the pitch and completing close to 95 percent of his passes.
Rating: 8.5
CB Jesus Vallejo
Although Jesus Vallejo clearly does not have the talent of a Real Madrid center back, he makes things work with his heart. Vallejo made a lot of good decisions and clearances, impressing against one of LaLiga’s most skillful players in Jose Luis Morales. The Spanish international had a jaw-dropping five blocked shots, highlighting his willingness to put everything on the line.
Rating: 8.5
RB Lucas Vazquez
Lucas Vazquez also blocked a pair of shots and had a pair of key passes in another solid, hard-working performance down that right flank.
Rating: 7.5
CM Luka Modric
What more superlatives can be said? Luka Modric had three assists in the first half alone and was simply sublime throughout before being subbed for Toni Kroos. Modric also had an amazing, line-breaking assist to set up Real Madrid’s fifth goal of the night. In total, he had a whopping five key passes and completed over 93 percent of his total attempts.
Rating: 9.5
DM Eduardo Camavinga
Real Madrid fans continue to be impressed with Eduardo Camavinga, who led the team with six tackles. Camavinga made some amazing tackles and carries with the ball, reinforcing the idea that he is a world-class midfielder. He had three key passes and led the team with 63 pass attempts, completing a touch over 92 percent of them.
Rating: 9.0
CM Fede Valverde
So unlucky not to have scored, Fede Valverde was EVERYWHERE on the pitch, winning the ball, pressing, carrying the ball, and shooting from distance frequently. After coming close multiple times over the weekend against Atletico Madrid, Fede came even closer on a handful of occasions this Thursday night. His golazo is surely coming.
Rating: 8.0
LW Vinicius Jr.
A perfect 10. Vinicius Jr. was untouchable to the Levante defense, scoring a hat trick and adding an assist. He was clinical, hard-working, speedy in transition, and always looking to get his teammates involved. His confidence and maturity continue to grow, and his cross for Karim Benzema was a reminder of how much that aspect of his game has improved in 2021/22.
Rating: 10
CF Karim Benzema
Another goal and another assist for the world’s best player. Karim Benzema’s all-around influence on this game was obvious, and his goal tied Raul’s career record in nearly 150 fewer matches.
Rating: 7.5
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RW Rodrygo Goes
When he was subbed out, Rodrygo Goes received chants across the Santiago Bernabeu. That tells you how much he is valued by Madridistas now. The winger was ever-dangerous, creating loads of chances for his teammates (three key passes) and grabbing a goal that looked very easy but was the result of his astute positioning.
Rating: 8.0