It was time for Madrid to set things right. Two consecutive losses in La Liga put the team in an uncomfortable position. While Deportivo isn’t exactly a team that could crush you, such a big win always motivates players. With some errors right at the start of the second half, the team quickly focused and gave way for the final 2-8. This period of the season is busy, and these wins add up in the end. There are some things that need work, but overall it was a good showing.
GK, Iker Casillas: 5/10
Eight goals against in the last three La Liga matches. He hasn’t restored his confidence, with clear errors when going out. Thankfully for him, the team is a goal scoring machine.
DEF, Álvaro Arbeloa: 6.5/10
He gave a great assist to Cristiano and stayed strong in defense. Good showing against his former team. The right back competition is tougher than ever.
DEF, Raphaël Varane : 6.5/10
Celebrated his new contract with a starting role. He barely made any mistakes, except for the 2nd goal, where he lost his man. He should play more often.
DEF, Sergio Ramos: 6/10
Forced the controversial penalty against. Apart from that, he didn’t have to work too much. He’s still not going through his best form, a lot more is expected.
DEF, Marcelo: 7/10
Combined well with his teammates, gave an assist and didn’t struggle in defense. The left wing was all his. Overall a very complete match for the Brazilian.
MID, Toni Kroos: 7/10
It’s obvious that he doesn’t shine as much further back. However, he was flawless as usual. He recovered many balls and started good plays.
MID, Luka Modrić: 7/10
Helped out in defense and in the creative department. Good match to keep showing his improvement. His work rate was high as usual.
MID: James Rodríguez: 8.5/10
He’s steadily increasing his importance. One of the best men on the field. He scored an absolute screamer, assisted and helped out in defense.
ATT: Gareth Bale: 7.5/10
His first half was poor. Greatly improved in the second half, helping the team restore the intensity. He scored the fourth and fifth goal with great finishing.
ATT: Karim Benzema: 7/10
He couldn’t score, yet he was important. He created more plays for his teammates than for himself. He gave his spot to Illarramendi, but the team didn’t lose quality in attack.
ATT: Cristiano Ronaldo: 9/10
Riazor was one of the stadiums he hadn’t scored in. Hat-trick hero. This is how Cristiano usually responds to pressure, and he was fantastic in general.
Substitutes:
MID, Asier Illarramendi: 6.5/10
Singled out after the debacle at Dortmund, he was important once again. He gave the team some peace of mind, helping out in defense like the rest of his teammates can’t. Hopefully this is the beginning of a new role in the team.
MID, Isco: 7/10
Great showing in the minutes he played in. He gave two assists and was a great refresher. He proved that James and him can absolutely play together.
ATT, Javier “Chicharito” Hernández: 8/10
Took advantage of 15 minutes on the pitch like nobody else. His first goal as a Madridista should be on all the “top 10” segments this weekend. He even had time to score another one, with the help of a defender.
