Player Ratings: Real Madrid Vs. Malmo

Kiko Casilla - 8.5

The former Espanyol man had a pretty comfortable night considering Malmo did not create many attacking opportunities tonight. Kiko looked confident throughout the game thanks mainly to a steady, protective line of defense.

Arbeloa - 8.0

The bearded viking had a comfortable night in that defensive line. He was assertive in his defensive duties and maintained a threat when he crossed the opposition's midfield.

Pepe - 8.5

Great night from the portuguese. Pepe's form this season has truly been one of our strongpoints in defense. He has been a clear choice for Benitez this season and I think if he maintains his form he will continue to start over Varane, I truly think Pepe-Sergio is our best CB duo.

Nacho - 8.0

Another assertive performance from the academy graduate. Nacho is an absolute dream player for a manager to have. A player who plays in any defensive position, knows his role in the squad and is also aware of his qualities and what he strives at and doesn't. One of my favorite players in this Real squad.

Danilo - 8.5

Impressive performance from the Brazilian full back tonight. He was very efficient attacking through that right wing and maintained a steady foot on his defensive duties.

Casemiro - 8 The Brazilian youngster had a great game tonight. Casemiro was impressive in that holding mid position. His delivery from the back was outstanding and his tackles and defensive work rate were second to none.

Mateo Kovacic - 8.5

The Croatian youngster was magnificent against Malmo. The former Inter midfielder was fantastic in defense and a constant threat in attack. His night was then rounded off by scoring his first goal for Real. Mateo is surely becoming one of the crowd's favorites.

Isco - 8.0

The bow legged genius had a substantial performance tonight. His attacking threat was of constant help for Madrid and assisted for a goal. The only thing I can point out about Isco is his delivery, in my humble opinion I think he should pass the ball a tiny bit faster and stop holding the ball as long as he does, but apart from that he's an absolute joy to watch.

James Rodriguez 8.5

Baby faced James was back again tonight with a fantastic performance. His absolute masterclass delivery of the ball and his attack minded plays really got the crowd on their feet. The Colombian was substituted in the second half to a standing ovation from the Bernabeu faithful.

Cristiano Ronaldo - 9.5

Absolutely world class from the portuguese superstar tonight. Goals and assists, breaking record, after record, after record. Free kick goal and world class assist for Karim. His partnership with the Frenchman really proved to be too much for the Malmo defense.

Karim Benzema - 9.0

Magnificent performance by Karim tonight. It seems he is slowly getting his confidence back in front of goal. A hat-trick for the frenchman was just the cherry on top.

Subs - Marcelo for Pepe, Jese for James and Cheryshev for Kovacic.

Marcelo - 8.0

The Brazilian had some influence on the attack end of the game. Marcelo was able to attack freely through that left wing since he was able to ease off a bit on the defense since Malmo showed no real attacking threat.

Jese - 8.0

Comfortable performance for the Las Palmas native. Took over the attacking role on the wing for the time he was on the field.

Cheryshev - 8.0

Really wanted to see Cheryshev get a good reception from the crowd tonight. The whole CDR fiasco was probably a big problem for the youngster who just wanted to help his team secure a place in the next round of the Cup.

Although I agree it was a good performance by Real, our opposition was absolutely shocking so I refuse to ride the overexcitement train just yet.