Without giving their absolute best, Real Madrid achieved their 11th consecutive win in all competitions. James’ brace, Benzema and Ronaldo’s goals were enough to put some pressure on Sevilla and Barça. This rounds up a solid week from Real, with a minimal effort with subs in the Copa del Rey and staying solid in La Liga. With Bale expected to return shortly, they will play Liverpool on Tuesday.
GK, Iker Casillas: 7/10
Third consecutive away clean sheet in La Liga. Whatever came to him, he handled it well. He’s more in control of set pieces now. He was also saved by Ramos in a play that was sure to find the back of the net.
DEF, Dani Carvajal: 7/10
He played for a little over 30 minutes. He suffered a hamstring injury, with Arbeloa taking his spot. Before the injury, he had delivered a good performance. He went up constantly and had the chance to score after a fantastic collective play.
DEF, Pepe: 7/10
Stayed strong in the back throughout the entire match. He could’ve injured Ramos in a play that had both of them with the cleats up. He didn’t have a lot of work, but overall decent showing from the Portuguese.
DEF, Sergio Ramos: 7/10
Hopefully his unfortunate clash with his partner Pepe doesn’t end up with an injury. He kept Iker’s clean sheet in a critical play. He was very focused, sticking to his position and limiting his usual forward runs.
DEF, Marcelo: 7/10
Didn’t have a lot of work today. He excelled more in defense today, clearly improving his usual gray performances in the back. He was given a few clear chances to score, yet he proved he’s a defender with poor shots.
MID, Luka Modrić: 7.5/10
Work rate was high as usual, going back and forth constantly. He erred more passes than usual, still he gave the team control of the match. Khedira took his spot near the end, preventing any injuries before Liverpool’s visit.
MID, Toni Kroos: 7.5/10
The man the defenders rely on a lot. Never a bad showing from the World Champion. He’s always there to get the ball in the back and push it forward. His attacking talent isn’t being used as much.
MID, Isco: 6.5/10
His poorest match since Bale’s injury. He wasn’t influential in attack, often keeping the ball for too long when teammates were available. Today he seemed to give more in defense, helping with the pressure and recovery.
ATT, James Rodríguez: 8/10
It’s still unclear if he scored that fourth and final goal. Nevertheless, another good weekend from the Colombian. He scored an absolute work of art. He’s become more important as the time goes by.
ATT, Karim Benzema: 8.5/10
Goal and two assists in a perfect afternoon. Man of the match without a doubt. He was smart in the first goal, magical in the second and a killer in the third one. He’s going through a great moment.
ATT, Cristiano Ronaldo: 7.5/10
Another day, another goal and he hits 17 in 9 matches in La Liga. He got it very early today and he was clearly at a lower intensity afterwards. He was more generous, providing an assist and playing for his teammates.
Substitutes:
DEF, Álvaro Arbeloa: 6.5/10
Had to come in early after Carvajal’s injury. He did a good job at replacing him, but failed to continue Dani’s attack prowess. He was a bit slow in a few plays. His experience always gives a boost to the defense.
MID, Sami Khedira: N/A
Not enough minutes to rate him.
MID, Asier Illarramendi: N/A
Not enough minutes to rate him.
