Real Madrid vs Getafe: Player Ratings

Starting 11

GK: Keylor Navas
Rating: 6/10

There really wasn’t that much for him to do. He made a couple of good saves and was helpless for the Getafe goal and that’s about it.

LB: Danilo
Rating: 7.5/10

After being heavily criticized over the past couple of weeks, the Brazilian had a really solid game today. He made 4 successful tackles and pushed up well to create overloads and aid his side in attack. Pedro Leon did cause him some trouble come the end of the match, but there isn’t too much Danilo did wrong today.

CB: Nacho
Rating: 7/10

Quite possibly the only player happy with Madrid’s current injury situation, Nacho is getting a lot of minutes all of a sudden and he is proving to be a secure option for Benitez. He made 2 interceptions and 2 clearances along with a tackle, but other than that the only thing he should have done better was mark Alexis properly on the corner.

CB: Pepe
Rating: 8/10

I’d have put Pepe as an 8.5/10 if it wasn’t for the Getafe goal. Otherwise he was a rock at the back as he swept up any lose balls and intercepted 3 passes that got too close to him. However, his highlight of the match was his sublime assist for Benzema’s goal.

RWB: Lucas Vazquez
Rating: 8/10

Vazquez had a good night in a position he was very unfamiliar with. Individually, his work rate was amazingly good as he made 7 tackles and ran up and down the pitch tirelessly. Tactically he was critical in creating overloads on the right-hand side and creating chaos among the Getafe ranks. Looking at his heatmap, you can see that he provided significant influence in the attacking third of the pitch.

Lucas Vazquez's heatmap

RPM: James Rodriguez (MOTM)
Rating: 9.5/10

In my opinion this guy was the man of the match. He may have not gotten any assists or goals, but his influence was paramount in the way Madrid played tonight. We were exciting, vibrant, and fast, thanks to the fact that James buzzed like a bee in midfield to constantly provide passes, be open for teammates, and deliver deadly balls to spice things up. He ended the match with a 93.1% pass accuracy, 10 attempted crosses (of which an impressive 5 were completed), 4 accurate long balls, 2 key passes, and a hand in 2 of Madrid’s goals.

DLP: Toni Kroos
Rating: 8.5/10

Kroos was the man who connected all the dots on the pitch as he completed a stunning 97.3% of his 109 passes. To put that into perspective that was 36 more completed passes than Luka Modric and 25 more completed passes than next-best James Rodriguez. His greatest influence was in the middle third of the pitch, as he ensured that Madrid recycled the ball effectively and ensured that wide areas were reached in a timely fashion. This is the type of Toni Kroos performance we have come to expect and long may it continue.

Kroos's influence

RCM: Luka Modric

Rating: 8/10

Luka also had a solid game in the center of the park as he helped Kroos direct possession to critical areas and influence the game. He didn’t have any key passes or any direct influence in Madrid’s goals, but sometimes it is just better to sit back and facilitate play and allow others to shine. That is exactly what Modric did today and Madrid were better for it. As a reward, he got a much-needed rest in the 62^nd minute and a standing ovation.

LF: Cristiano Ronaldo
Rating: 9/10

There is no doubt that this type of performance is what we have come to expect from CR7. He looked hungry and passionate as he pressed with desire and executed 3 out of 4 tackles and recovered the ball twice after losing it. On the more offensive side of things Ronaldo was clearly in the mood as he beat 2 players with the ball at his feet and surprisingly hit two well-struck free kicks. His headed assist for Bale was class and his finish for Madrid’s 4^th goal was absolutely lethal.

Ronaldo's tackles

RF: Gareth Bale
Rating: 8.5/10

Bale showed he his fit and in-form with a powerful display vs Getafe. He moved with freedom and pace and attempted 2 blistering shots from outside the area. His goal was very well taken and in general his movement when combined with Ronaldo’s and Benzema’s was dynamic and key in stretching Getafe’s back-line.

CF: Karim Benzema
Rating: 9/10

If I were to sum up Benzema’s impact on the game in one word, it would be lethal. He started off the game with a bang, headed an attempt of the keeper, and then scored another goal. After all the off-field shenanigans surrounding Benzema like a dark cloud, the Frenchman played with a chip on his shoulder and showed his importance to Real Madrid.

Substitutes:

RCM: Mateo Kovacic
Rating: 6/10

He came on when the match was done, but still showed good energy and commitment to ensure Madrid retained control of the game. Not much you can infer about the Croatian from this performance.

LF: Jese
Rating: N/A

Not enough time to grade him.

RB: Arbeloa
Rating: N/A

Not enough time to grade him.

(All statistics taken from whoscored.com, fourfourtwo.com, and squawka.com)