Player ratings vs Valencia: Vinicius & Benzema unstoppable!

Real Madrid took a very important win in Mestalla on Sunday and had to work a lot for that. The hosts played a great match and put Ancelotti’s men in difficulty many times. Fortunately, the combination Vinicius Junior-Benzema made the difference in the last few minutes giving the three points to the white team.

Hazard was brought back into the field, given a starting chance despite his potential knee issues. Nacho kept his place at left just like on Wednesday against Inter and then Miguel Gutierrez and Alaba played as a central defender. The rotation was not considered as first choice by Ancelotti because the importance of the match and the level of the opponent was really great. Valencia had three wins and one draw in this new season and was ready to get at the top of the table. Below are the ratings:

Thibaut Courtois: 8.5

Made three crucial saves from shots inside the box. Hugo Duro knocked on the door twice before finally scoring and both time Thibaut Courtois got the better of the young Spanish striker. Tried to close down the angle on Duro’s third shot, the goal, but little blame could be placed on the Belgian.

Dani Carvajal: 5.0

He was unfortunate and only played 25 minutes, having to be substituted for yet another injury. In those 25 minutes he didn’t show much...

Militao: 6.0

Faired well with the challenge of playing against the physical Maxi Gomez and speedy Goncalo Guedes.

David Alaba: 8.0

The “Kaiser” never stops barking orders and instructing his teammates on where to be on the pitch. He is consistently the leader at the heart of the defense. Had a team high of 7 clearances — nearly 3x the amount of any other Real Madrid player.

Nacho: 6.0

Struggled at times with the directness of Yunus Musah, but otherwise performed well in his “elbow back” role.

Casemiro: 5.0

Not at his usual level vs Valencia. Caught on the ball a few times when put under pressure and only won 2 of his 7 ground duels. He also made a lot of fouls and received a yellow for a pretty dangerous intervention.

Luka Modric: 6.0

Was critical in helping the team evade the press and transition on the counter attack, but his legs faded as the game went on and was rightly substituted near the 70th minute.

Fede Valverde: 4.5

The effort is never in question from the Uruguayan, but never took a risk with his passing and fell asleep on Hugo Duro’s goal.

Vinicius JR: 9.0

Vinicius JR and Karim Benzema simply cannot be stopped at this moment. Despite a challenging game where Thierry Correia and Foulquier tried to double down on the Brazilian as often as possible, Vini was relentless in his direct runs and desire to take those defenders on. The Brazilian scored the equalizing goal in the 86th minute and then provided the assist on the game-winner to Karim Benzema in the 88th minute.

Eden Hazard: 8.5

Played in his new second striker or #10 role and provided 6 key passes along with 3 completed dribbles. Connected well with his offensive counterparts Karim Benzema and Vinicius JR.

Karim Benzema: 9

Game after game, Karim Benzema produces the goods. His sixth goal of the season could be one that is looked back on as one of the defining goals of the season. Real Madrid never gives up and Karim Benzema never gives up.

Substitutions:

Lucas Vazquez: 5.5

Played at right back after Carvajal got injured in the 25th minute. Had a number of sloppy passes early on, but gradually grew into the game and always provided much needed width on the right flank.

Rodyrgo Goes: 7.0

Brought a lot of energy after coming onto the pitch. Combined well with Benzema and Vazquez, while also giving Toni Lato a tough time with his off ball movement.

Eduardo Camavinga: 8.0

Completely changed the tempo of Madrid’s game. Was confident on the ball, assured with his passing, and plugged gaps / recovered the ball with his pace and ability to cover large portions of the pitch.

Luka Jovic: 7.0

Nearly had an assist to Rodyrgo after being fed by Benzema in the box. His off ball movement provided headaches for the Valencia backline who were forced to deal with not one (Benzema), but two (Jovic + Benzema) aerial threats in the box. Another net positive performance from the Serbian coming off the bench.

Isco: 7.0

Evaded Valencia’s press well and helped Madrid keep the ball moving quickly.