El Derbi Madrileño was just right in intensity, but poor in spectacle or good football. The first leg of the Spanish Super Cup was tough as usual. With a few players that could’ve been sent out, the climate was hostile. Toni Kroos and James Rodríguez made their debuts in front of the Bernabéu. Everything will be resolved at the Vicente Calderón.
In a first half that was very poor, both teams were unable to pose any threat to each other. The second half was a different thing when Ronaldo left. The spaces suddenly became available and the teams were fighting back and forth. After this draw, Carlo Ancelotti will need to think long and hard to plan the tactics for the second leg. Atlético have the upper hand since a 0-0 draw will give them the trophy. Let’s take a look at how each player performed.
GK, Iker Casillas: 6.5/10
Had a few doubts, but overall handled Atleti’s threats well in the first half. The second half had him make some good saves as well, but he could’ve done more in the equalizer.
DEF, Daniel Carvajal: 7/10
Decent first half, a few mistakes in defense, but tried his best to be a good resource for Bale. Very powerful second half in attack. He constantly got past Atleti players and was able to provide lots of crosses. Overall good match.
DEF, Pepe: 7/10
Good first half, he took care of Mandžukić and kept Iker from being reached too often. Good in the second half, but the equalizer saw him lose his concentration.
DEF, Sergio Ramos: 7/10
Highs and lows in the first half. One mistake here and there in marking, but decent enough. Same as his partner in the second half. He should practice more on defending set pieces.
DEF, Marcelo: 7/10
Quiet first half. With Atleti’s tough defense, he was barely able to help the team in attack. The second half saw him almost as a winger. Very persistent when going up, crossing and creating threatening chances.
MID, Xabi Alonso: 7/10
Correct first half, with a few concentration mistakes. Better second half, but had to be more careful because he had a yellow card. Made the right passes.
MID, Toni Kroos: 7.5/10
Static first half; he gave good passes, but stayed put in defensive tasks. Those tasks seemed to be diminished in the second half. With more freedom to move, he was the player that found those spaces to threaten Atleti. He initiated the play that ended in James’ goal and could’ve scored earlier. Man of the match.
MID, Luka Modrić: 6.5/10
Spurts of creativity in the first half, but mostly stuck. He was overshadowed by Kroos in the second half. He was taken out near the end for Di María.
ATT, Gareth Bale: 6/10
Subpar first half; several mistakes in passing choices and couldn’t break Atleti’s defense. He had to be the leader in the second half, but good plays never came to fruition.
ATT, Karim Benzema: 5.5/10
Null first half. Null second half as well. He had a few chances, but nothing that really endangered Moyà.
ATT, Cristiano Ronaldo: 5/10
Atleti was very tight in defense and he barely had a few chances to hold the ball. He was subbed at half-time. At the time of this writing, it seems that he’s injured, but it’s not serious.
Substitutes:
MID, James Rodríguez: 6.5/10
He seemed much more comfortable today, moving all over the place. He was very active, but had a few passing mistakes. He scored his first goal and it will be good for his morale.
MID, Ángel Di María: 6/10
Came in late, but he provided the team with his usual electricity. The Bernabéu was very clear that Madridistas love him and don’t want him to leave.
Highlights
James Rodriguez bundles home his first Real Madrid goal https://t.co/3kArG3rbDy
— Footy Vines.com (@Footy_Vines_) August 19, 2014
Atletico Madrid answered Real Madrid https://t.co/9GSzPKIzqA
— Paul Jackiewicz (@Paul_Jackiewicz) August 19, 2014
