Real Madrid vs Granada, La Liga 2014-15: Player Ratings

Iker Casillas: 5 - Casillas wasn't often troubled in this game but when he had to make a few smart saves he did so. He could have done a bit better with the goal thta was conceded as he managed to get a touch of the ball but it wasn't strong enough. Also, his distribution in the first half gifted Granada a good chance on goal.

Alvaro Arbeloa: 7 - Arbeloa had a good game and contributed to the rout with an assist. He also completed 2 key passes whilst maintaining a solid defensive game, although he might have done a bit better on the goal Madrid conceded.

Raphael Varane: 6 - The Frenchman had a very tidy game but was rarely troubled due to his good positioning reflected by his accumulation of more interceptions than any other player. When in possession he distributed the ball accurately.

Sergio Ramos: 5 - Once again, Ramos perhaps could have done better and cut out the through ball that allowed Granada to score. Other than that, he had a quiet game and passed the ball around well.

Marcelo: 8 - The little full-back played a fantastic game today and despite getting no assists he made a team best 7 key passes and was a constant menace on the left hand side. 57% of all his crosses found a team-mate and he had the joint most completed crosses of any player.

Toni Kroos: 8 - Midfield boss Toni Kroos had another good game and his form seems to be resurgent. He made 3 key passes and completed all 4 of his crosses. Furthermore, his distribution was excellent as usual whilst he made more tackles than any other player which may show why the defenders had so little to do in this game.

Luka Modric: 8 - Modric has made a discernible impact on this Real Madrid team with his return to the fold. He grabbed himself an assist but it was his overall controlling performance which gained my admiration in this match. His match-best figure of 98% pass accuracy is nothing to scoff at either. His ground cross also made Madrid's eighth goal.

James Rodríguez: 9 - It was as if he had never been gone. James returned to the match-day squad with aplomb, bagging two smart assists as well as racking up 5 key passes in the final third whilst constantly finding himself in space to dictate play and build Madrid's attacking moves. He also completed the joint-most take-ons in the game.

Gareth Bale: 9 - Bale was faultless today (no whistles, yay). He produced a superb attacking display by contributing two quality assists and an important opening goal to open the floodgates. Furthermore, his dribbling was much improved and his passing was crisp and accurate.He also accumulated 3 key passes.

Cristiano Ronaldo: 10 - He scored 5 goals. What else is there to say? Well, if we must; he attempted an incredible 13 shots, made 2 key passes and made the 2nd most tackles in the team. Phenomenal performance.

Karim Benzema: 9 - Big Benz did not disappoint with a sterling display. He bagged himself a brace with two top finishes and his movement was brilliant throughout the match as he ran into spaces that opened up channels for his fellow forwards to run into. Benzema's hold up play also contributed to Madrid's territorial dominance whilst he completed the joint-most take-ons.

Subs

Illarramendi: 6 - The Basque midfielder came on to shore things up when Madrid were controlling the game 7-0. He had a decent game despite Madrid conceding and he recycled the ball well when in possession. He made a couple of tackles in defensive midfield which helped the team keep the ball in Granada's half.

Jesé: 3 - You could forgive someone for not realising that Jesé was on the pitch today. He had zero impact after coming on (not that he had to of course) and had zero shots, zero dribbles as well as creating zero chances. It's not unfair to say that he's been disappointing ever since scoring on his first game back from injury.

Chicharito: 4 - Chicha at least made a concerted effort to get on the score sheet as he troubled Oier with a shot and generally looked busy with his work rate after he came on. Unfortunately he doesn't have the positional intelligence of Benzema and therefore most of his effort was in vain, reflected by him only managing 9 touches of the ball in half an hour.