Espanyol Vs Real Madrid, Copa Del Rey 2013-2014: Player Ratings

Casillas: A: Another clean sheet for our captain, who broke his record of consecutive minutes without receiving a goal. He was surprisingly accurate with the ball at his feet and had a really nice intervention on a shot by Jhon Córdoba.

Arbeloa: A: He was correct in defensive tasks, as usual, but also showed a unfrequent offensive display that helped the team a lot. In fact, Benzema's goal was born in his right foot, from a cross close to the corner.

Pepe: A-: Good match by Pepe that just falls in the line he has been showing lately. His physical condition is outstanding and so is his head. Did not suffer.

Ramos: A-: He struggled a little against Sergio García, but, in fact, only let him shoot from a good spot once in the whole game. His performance was extraordinary when defending corner kicks.

Marcelo: B-: His offensive display was acceptable, although not as brilliant as we should hope, but suffered a lot against Torje in the first half. He left Ramos at disadvantageous situations more than once.

Illarramendi: B+: Absolutely correct and accurate. He proved that his tactical skills are far beyond the average. All his decisions were the right ones, both in defensive and offensive phases of the game.

Modric: A: Arguably, the best player on the field today, possibly sharing the spot with Benzema. Like in the past few games, all of his interventions served to improve Real Madrid's options, and helped the defenders with a few steals.

Di María: B: A good match by our Fideo in the midfield, correctly mixing the labours in interior and exterior areas.

Bale: B+: Gareth proved he is fully recovered. Long runs to help the team to counterattack made him show his speed and stamina, and he also left a few good tricks we could attribute to Zidane. Had a good chance to score from a free kick, brilliantly rejected by Casilla.

Cristiano Ronaldo: B: Not a brilliant match for our recent Ballon d'Or. He tried a lot but his aim was not the best, and seemed a little anxious to score at certain phases of the match. Nothing to worry about, in my opinion.

Benzema: A+: Great match by Karim. Not only he scored the winning goal, but his associative gameplay helped Bale and Ronaldo to find open lanes to run towards Casilla's goal.

Alonso: B: He entered the game for the last twenty minutes and helped the team keep control of the ball.

Isco & Jesé: -: Did not have enough time to show a lot.

What's your take?