Real Madrid vs Manchester United, UEFA Super Cup: Player Ratings

A match between two storied European clubs ended with another Real Madrid trophy. It took about 10-15 minutes for Madrid to kickstart, but once they finally did, they had Manchester United chasing the ball around the pitch for what felt like hours.

Madrid found its opener through Casemiro, who brilliantly finished past De Gea. The second came from lovely work between Bale, Benzema, and Isco before the Spaniard finished well past his compatriot. Minutes later Madrid had a chance to kill the game, but Bale’s well-hit effort hit the post and bounced away harmlessly.

The match was not yet over though, and after a weak parry from Keylor Navas, Lukaku scored an easy goal to pull the English giants back. A few tense moments for both teams in the final 15 minutes ultimately ended the way every final under Zidane has: with a victory for the good guys.

Zinedine Zidane’s first competitive starting XI was missing Ronaldo, who had only just returned to training. The Frenchman elected to roll with the diamond that brought Madrid much success last season, except this version was spearheaded by Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema.

Keylor Navas: 6

Was nearly troubled right at the start of the match from a long ball, but was otherwise solid for the first half. Did very well to save from Pogba’s header right after Madrid bagged their second. Largely at fault for Manchester United’s first goal, as Matic’s shot was particularly strong, but the Costa Rican parried right in front of goal. Redeemed himself with a great save on Rashford when the United man broke through on goal.

Sergio Ramos: 7.5

Did very well to marshall Manchester United’s attack. Scary clash of heads with Fellaini, but ended up fine. Ramos downed Pogba just as the Frenchman started to make a dangerous run down the right. Was given a free header in stoppage time that the Spaniard really should have scored.

Raphael Varane: 8

Varane’s pace was essential in stopping Manchester United. The English hit many long balls but the Frenchman dealt with them all expertly. Made sure Madrid rarely had to worry about United counters.

Dani Carvajal: 7

The man who scored last season’s winner had a rather lethargic preseason, but in the first half the Spaniard played a beautiful pass into Casemiro for the opening goal. He was given a yellow for holding back Rashford with around 10 minutes to play, but was generally strong in defence.

Marcelo: 6

A rather average performance. Great interception to start the half, but his cross/shot was deflected wide.

Casemiro: 9

Made many crucial challenges, and was surprisingly excellent with both his ball-carrying and distribution. Was unlucky not to score when his header went off the post, but did not have to wait long. After a fantastic run was met by a Carvajal pass, the Brazilian followed with a striker’s finish with his left foot for Madrid’s opener! Was only really at fault for letting Rashford through in what could have been the equalizer.

Luka Modric : 7.5

In the first half Madrid began to ping the ball around in midfield, and Modric was a big reason why. Typical performance from the Croatian.

Toni Kroos: 8

Very good in possession and distribution as usual. Had a giveaway that could have been very dangerous but was idiotically played by Lukaku who was offside. The German made an excellent tackle on Mkhitaryan when the Armenian was attempting to break. De Gea was forced to make a very good save when Kroos shot it from the top of the box.

Isco: 9

Flared up all over the place for Madrid. Was immense in breaking down Manchester United, as his movements into small pockets of space led to countless fouls. Great 1-2 with Bale for Madrid’s second. Followed up his performance by saying he’ll soon renew his contract.

Gareth Bale: 7

Had a deflected cross fall to him unexpectedly right at the beginning of the match, but his flick was wide. Looked like one of Madrid’s best players in the first half, and got into many dangerous areas. Assisted Isco for the second with a well-timed return-ball. Unlucky not to score Madrid’s third when he smashed the underside of the crossbar after beautiful possession play from Madrid.

Karim Benzema: 7

Sent Bale through but was adjudged to be offside himself in the first half. Very good attempt from a tough angle that was just saved by De Gea. Great work on the outside before passing to Isco just seconds before Madrid’s second. Had a big chance for Madrid’s 3rd but fell down.

Marco Asensio (Substitute): 6

So unlucky not to score after very good work from Vazquez on the wing.

Lucas Vazquez (Substitute): 6.5

Truly fantastic work on the wing before finding Asensio, and should have had an assist.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Substitute): 6

Drew a few fouls, and did well to hold up the ball at times. Had a free kick in the final minute of stoppage time that went high and wide.

Men of the Match: Casemiro and Isco