Having a mid-week La Liga fixture isn’t always nice, but Carlo Ancelotti handled it well. With an effective rotation system, the team was still strong and it showed on the pitch. The squad may be short, yet it seems that every squad member has a winning mentality. The match was full of controversial plays, though it didn’t affect Real’s dominance. This weekend Los Blancos will visit Villarreal, a tougher team from the one’s they’ve played against in the past week.
GK, Keylor Navas: 6.5/10
The controversial penalty cost him a clean sheet on his official debut. The rest of the match, he handled things quite well. He did well on his first chance.
DEF, Dani Carvajal: 6/10
He was carded too early. He wasn’t his usual self and he was the first to be taken out. He just came out of an injury, so it’s only a matter of time for him to excel again.
DEF, Raphaël Varane: 7.5/10
There should be a discussion to give him a regular starting role. Clean, quick and very focused. He’s taken advantage of his pitch time and proved his worth.
DEF, Sergio Ramos: 7/10
Much more mindful in the back. He defended well and made very few mistakes. He also led the ball out of the defense very nicely.
DEF, Marcelo: 7.5/10
Excellent in attack, with a great partnership with Isco. He assisted, forced a penalty and was constantly threatening Elche. His competition with Coentrão remains at a good level.
MID, Asier Illarramendi: 8/10
He proved that he deserves a chance. He’s no Xabi Alonso, but everyone’s unique. He doesn’t need to emulate anyone, since he controlled the game as he pleased. Quick when tackling and mindful of the defensive/attack balance.
MID, Toni Kroos: 7/10
Performed at a good level as usual. Very few mistakes, helpful in defense and could’ve scored his first goal as a Madridista.
MID, Isco: 8.5/10
Many criticize him for only being useful from the bench. One of the best today, he proved everyone wrong, since he owned the ball for quite a bit. He created great plays and drove defenders crazy.
ATT, Gareth Bale: 7.5/10
Goal and assist. His goal came at the perfect time, equalizing the game. He was very active and a constant threat.
ATT, James Rodríguez: 7/10
Another assist for the Colombian. He seems much more comfortable on the pitch, with more participation and good plays. He was applauded by the Bernabéu when he was taken out.
ATT, Cristiano Ronaldo: 9/10
Four goals. Two of them came in the form of a penalty, yet that doesn’t change the fact that he’s a beast. Pichichi of La Liga with nine goals. Yes, it’s a smaller team, still you don’t see other great players scoring four against them.
Substitutes:
DEF, Álvaro Arbeloa: 6.5/10
He came in for a carded Carvajal. Defended well and was helpful in attack. He’s going through a good moment.
DEF, Nacho Fernández: N/A
Not enough minutes to rate him.
ATT, Javier “Chicharito” Hernández: 5/10
Played the last 15 as usual. He fought hard, but he missed a clear chance to score. He should be given more time on the pitch, or even a match from the start.
