Player Ratings: Real Madrid 1 - Levante 2; 2018 La Liga

Julen Lopetegui is setting records, but for all the wrong reasons. Breaking the clubs 115 year old scoring drought is a start. It remains to be seen if the Spaniard will make it to El Clasico next weekend, but even so, the writing seems to be on the wall, unless the team sees a dramatic turn around in fortunes. The chances were there— Madrid hit the woodwork twice and had two goals disallowed by VAR, but Levante’s two goal lead meant they could sit in and bunker and exploit Madrid on the counter.

Ratings:

Thibaut Courtois—5: Dove too early on Levante’s opening goal, giving Morales an empty net. Continues to look uncomfortable with the ball at his feet.

Alvaro Odriozola—5.5: Seems to be playing within himself, lacking the confidence to break from the more reserved passing options. Looks to get forward and attack, but lacking the drive and purpose to really leave his mark. Time and time again, cuts back to make the safe pass.

Raphael Varane—4: One of Madrid’s most consistent had himself a poor game. Some blame can be placed on the Frenchman for both goals—keeping Morales on and failing to make a tackle in the first, and then giving up a penalty—although harsh— on the second.

Sergio Ramos—5.5: Constant threat on set-pieces and nearly supplied a headed assist to Asensio before VAR removed the goal. Struggled to deal with the tandem of Morales and Martin, and has failed to show his best form this season.

Marcelo—7: As has come to be expected, Madrid’s left side was defensively very vulnerable. The half-space was exploited by Levante on the counter. But in contrast, Marcelo’s attacking output was second to none. Scored the goal that Madrid has been so desperate for and nearly nabbed a second to equalize.

Casemiro—6.5: Hit the crossbar with a header and had a few crucial interceptions which got the Bernabeu crowd into the match. Though, the Brazilian was unable to stop Levante’s counter attacks which went through the heart of Madrid’s midfield on more than one occasion.

Luka Modric—5: Another game where Luka has looked a shell of the player he truly is; it may be time to give the Croatian extended rest and his own personal pre-season. The plan of playing him and hoping it turns around, is not working for the soon to be 34-year-old.

Isco—5.5: A surprise start given Isco has been injured for over a month with appendicitis and he lacked match sharpness. He did thread a beautiful through ball to Modric before being substituted which the Croatian should have done more to test Oier.

Lucas Vazquez—4.5: Probably had the best chance of the game after picking up a loose scrap in the six yard box. He got a clean hit on the ball, but Oier, yet again, made the save. Produced little else on the right wing and slotted to fill back in the second half, again producing very little.

Marco Asensio—4: It has been a rough couple of months for Marco Asensio. Another game has passed and he failed to leave his mark yet again. He wanted to play more and he wanted more responsibility — the fans wanted that as well— but he has yet to respond. This is a young player at a pivotal point in his career, the clubs patience won’t last very long.

Mariano—6: First ever La Liga start for Mariano and he tried everything to nab a goal. Hit the woodwork off a set piece after leaping over his marker. Did score a goal, but again Madrid had it knocked off per VAR as Mariano was offsides. He’s limited in what he can offer, but he is a goal threat.

Substitutions:

Gareth Bale—6: Did not look 100% fit, but there was a noticeable difference in the attacking output of the right side when he came in to the match. Had a couple of shots, including a well struck free-kick, but couldn’t turn the match around for Madrid.

Dani Ceballos—5.5: Given the nod ahead of Toni Kroos, Ceballos came on to bring more late pressure on to Levante’s goal.

Karim Benzema—7: Operated on the left of Madrid’s attack and played well. Drove at the Levante defense with his direct dribbling and curled a beautiful shot which hit the post. Provided the assist in Madrid’s lone goal.