Real Madrid did not have to travel far from Santiago Bernabeu to face Rayo Vallecano in a “not so difficult match on paper”, but however they found a well prepared opponent and a lot of pressure in Vallecas as the crowd and the tension were doing their best to stop Ancelotti’s Team. Carlo Ancelotti made one change to his usual line-up with Nacho replacing the injured David Alaba.
The game was an even affair with both goalkeepers coming up big to make important saves. Rayo had more shots but Madrid’s ones were more accurate and often found the target. Besides the other difficulties, Real Madrid also had to cope with a damaged pitch which could make the gameplay even more painful. Ultimately a late goal from Karim Benzema was enough to secure the three points. Madrid keeps the 1st place safe and continues the road.
Starting XI ratings as follows:
Thibaut Courtois: 9.0
The big Belgian was crucial to Real Madrid’s victory. Contributed with 5 important saves all within the box.
Dani Carvajal: 8.0 A great game from the right back who combined well with Asensio in the first half. Had 3 key passes and 4 completed tackles.
Eder Militao: 6.0
Sergi Guardiola stuck close to Nacho meaning Militao had an easier day at the office. Not much to m up, but was composed on the ball when required.
Nacho: 6.0
Was beat aerially on more than one occasion by Sergi Guardiola. Otherwise was solid in the challenge, winning 4 of 5 ground duels and was assured in possession.
Ferland Mendy: 7.0
Contributed with a team high of 6 tackles even why he struggled early on under Rayo’s press.
Casemiro: 3.0
The Brazilian had a night to forget. Coughed up possession in dangerous areas and arguably should have been shown a red card for a studs up challenge.
Luka Modric: 6.5
Tried the vertical pass that others weren’t willing to play. Roamed about the pitch for much of the 2nd half try to carve out an opening.
Toni Kroos: 7.5
Had greater influence over the much as a #6. In total had 118 touches (game high), 101 passes at 98.1% PA (game high), 8 of 8 long balls, 2 key passes, and 4 of 5 ground duels won.
Vinicius Junior: 5.5
A very quiet performance for more than 80 minutes, but however he managed to make a brilliant curved run in the final minutes of the game to serve Benzema and break the deadlock.
Marco Asensio: 7.0
One of the lone bright spots in the first half. Had 3 shots, including 2 big chances, and 5 completed dribbles.
Karim Benzema: 6.0
Always brilliant connecting the dogs in transition and in the final third, but struggled to get shots off. Showed up when it mattered the most with an intelligent off ball run before tapping in his goal.
Substitutions:
Fede Valverde: 7.5
A major net positive after coming on for Casemiro. Was not afraid to attack the Rayo backline and played some important passes in the final third to help create space.
Rodyrgo Goes: 6.5
Contributed to the build-up in the game winning goal, with some combination plays between himself, Benzema, and Vinicius.
Dani Ceballos: N/A
As a late substitution for Luka Modric he tried to keep things under control and contribute to keep the result safe.
Eduardo Camavinga: N/A
As a late substitution for Vinicius Junior he tried to give the defensive maneuver a hand to secure the victory.
コメント