Player Ratings: Real Sociedad 3 - Real Madrid 1; 2019 La Liga

Real Madrid recorded their 11^th loss of the La Liga season in beautiful San Sebastian away to Real Sociedad. Despite some early Brahim Diaz magic, Madrid were torn apart after a red card was shown to Jesus Vallejo in the 38^th minute. The final scored would be a 3-1 win to the home side, Real Sociedad with goals from Mikel Merino, Zaldua, and 17-year-old Ander Barrenetxea . Full match ratings below:

Thibaut Courtois—3: At long last, Courtois saved a penalty and a poorly struck one by Willian Jose. On Sociedad’s go-ahead goal, Thibaut was caught completely off guard and was way out of position with his feet looking like cement blocks, unable to move quickly to adapt to the rising header. On the third goal, Courtois was beaten at the near post and should have easily saved the shot from 17 year old Ander Barrenetxea.

Dani Carvajal—4: Gave the ball away 4 times in the first half alone. Struggled to deal with the overload produced by Barrenetxea and Munoz down Madrid’s right flank.

Nacho—4.5: The best of a miserable backline. The communication between he and Vallejo was non-existent. They both struggled to deal with the threat of Willian Jose and Mikel Oyarzabal.

Jesus Vallejo—2: Awful performance. On Sociedad’s equalizing goal, Vallejo and Nacho failed to communicate and both ended up marking Willian Jose. Vallejo was sucked in and caught ball watching, rather than organizing the back four and occupying the gaping whole left between both he and Carvajal, who also switched off. On the red card, Vallejo put himself into that position. In attempt to win a 50/50 ball, Vallejo went to ground rather than staying on his feet and closing Willian Jose down. Then in a last minute attempt to save a goal, he used his hand and was rightly sent off. Will this be his last game in a Real Madrid shirt?

Marcelo—3: The body of work Marcelo has put together this season does not merit a starting position, even in this Real Madrid team. Contributed very little to the attack and failed to even put up a challenge on Zaldua’s looping header goal.

Casemiro—4.5: Zidane came out this week and says he adores Marcos Llorente, yet the homegrown anchor can’t get a game under the Frenchman. Casemiro, with each passing game, looks more and more a liability. Why is he not questioned as a starter?

Toni Kroos—5: A quiet game from the German, who was solid in possession but forced deeper into a defensive midfield position after Vallejo’s red card. Struggled with the onslaught of counter attacks Sociedad produced in the second stanza.

Isco—2.5: A poor showing from the former Malaga man.Had 35 passes with a team low of 73.4% completeion rate. Had one opportunity, a point blank 1 v 1 with Rullio, which he failed to put away.

Brahim Diaz—8.5: Once again, one of the lone bright spots for Madrid. There is an excitement whenevr Brahim gets on the ball, he can pull off the unpredictable. His ability to use both feet makes him a threat from any part of the pitch. Scored an incredible solo-goal for his first in a Madrid shirt. Showed impressive strength by shrugging off Zaldua and bamboozling Diego Llorente.

Marco Asensio—2: Invisible. Not a single note regarding Asensio’s match today. What does it take to put a fire in Asensio’s belly?

Karim Benzema—4: Starved of service, especially once Madrid went down to 10 men. Failed to get involved and leave any stamp on the match.

Substitutions:

Luka Modric—6: Got on the ball and immediately began controlling things. Brought some tranquility to Madrid’s game, but could not stop the bleeding when Sociedad went on to score a third.

Lucas Vazquez—4: Brought on to bring some defensive support down the right flank as Carvajal was being tortured by the dynamic duo of Munoz and Barrenexta.

Vinicius JR—7: A spark plug. Much like Brahim, got on the ball and drove at defenders 1 v 1. Created danger late on and nearly grabbed an assist. Hopefully will be given a start for the last game of the season.