Real Madrid got their first preseason win in 90 minutes against Fenerbahce with Karim Benzema scoring a hat trick in the 5-3 win at the Allianz Arena. Los Blancos started out in a 4-2-3-1 with Fede Valverde, Benzema and Marcelo among the standouts as Zidane’s men continue to build towards the new season. Full player ratings below.
Keylor Navas — 6: Navas was one of the bright spots against Tottenham last time out, but endured a rather mixed display against Fenerbahce. On one hand, the Costa Rican was given little help from his backline - which was dysfunctional the entire match - and kept the first half score down with several last ditch stops. On the other hand, he was miles off his line for both of Fenerbahce’s goals with the second particularly disappointing as the Costa Rican has conceded similar chipped or deflected shots like it in the past.
Alvaro Odriozola — 4: The full back has been one of the many players that has struggled to assert himself so far this preseason and his poor summer continued against Fenerbahce. The Spaniard offered little offensively and was a black hole defensively.
Nacho — 6.5: Nacho was quiet outside of his goal in the second half. None of the backline were impressive today, with Nacho included in that, but his follow up finish made up for an otherwise average performance.
Raphael Varane — 6: Varane was another defender who struggled in this game and lacked awareness and intensity in some of Fenerbahce’s counter attacks. A rather ordinary performance from the Frenchman and one would hope he will look to improve before the league opener.
Marcelo — 8.5: One of the best players on the pitch and was a constant menace up front. The left back combined well with Hazard and Isco. He looks like his old self again so far this preseason, much needed considering the season he had last year.
Toni Kroos — 6.5: Provided good service from the set piece, one of which resulted in a goal. His performance dipped in the second half, largely due to fatigue and had some sloppy giveaways before being replaced.
Fede Valverde — 7: Perhaps the most interesting inclusion in the starting lineup as the Uruguayan is considered by some as Casemiro’s back up heading into the new campaign. He looked good in possession and looked comfortable circulating possession in Fenerbahce’s half. Defensively, there are still some questions to be asked and the young midfielder and he is undoubtedly a far cry from Casemiro defensively. However, it was an encouraging performance from Valverde and he remains one to keep an eye this season, regardless of whether he stays or not.
Eden Hazard —6.5: The return to fitness is proving difficult for Real Madrid’s headline summer signing, but there were some signs of what he could provide against Fenerbahce. The Belgian had some nice touches and was persistently found in dangerous areas but, simply lacked the match sharpness and fitness to make the most of them. Based off this performance, a fully fit Hazard could be a dangerous prospect this season.
Isco — 7: Isco put in an impressive performance in the centre of midfield, combining well with the left flank. He had two chances to score, the second of which was a disappointing finish on a tap in. Still, another Real Madrid attacker beginning to look sharper in contrast to previous showings.
Vinicius Junior —7.5: A classic Vinicius game. He set up Benzema first goal and could of had another assist after murdering his marker with some quick feet, but a poor finish from Isco denied the Brazilian his second assist of the game. Once more, the only thing lacking from Vinicius’s game is his finishing, he didn’t miss any particularly easy chances, but, he certainly should of made more of the chances he had. Nonetheless, at his young age, he has plenty of time to improve and continues to show so much promise.
Karim Benzema —9: Unquestionably man of the match, Karim Benzema put some bad misses in preseason so far behind him with a hat trick today. None of the three finishes were particularly challenging, thanks to some shambolic Fenerbahce defending, but you can’t score a hat trick and then not win man of the match. Outside of the goals, Benzema played his typical match and was particularly good at winning high balls, one of which nearly resulted in a Hazard goal.
Substitutions
Andriy Lunin —6: A good cameo from Lunin, denying at least two Fenerbahce goals in the second half. The Ukrainian did his best to stop Tufan’s rocket from outside the box and would certainly benefit from a loan move this season.
De la Fuente —5: De la Feunte struggled in an unfamiliar back four and was a non-factor in the air, allowing Fenerbahce free headers on goals from crosses and set pieces. He’s a promising defender, but has some work to do to get to top flight level.
Lucas Vazquez— 6.5: Vazquez’s cross led to Benzema’s third goal and the winger was a constant threat against a tired Fenerbahce defence. A noted improvement on his Tottenham performance.
Dani Carvajal —5: Made a great interception not long after replacing Odriozola, but struggled to manage an exposed right flank.
Mariano Diaz—7.5: A really impressive cameo from Mariano, proving a constant threat on follow up shots and doing plenty of hard work off the ball to ensure Fenerbahce remained pegged in their own half for the last quarter of the match. Well deserving of his goal and unlucky not to have more. Zidane will have taken note of this showing.
Luka Modric —5: His first contribution to the game was a mistimed challenge which resulted in a yellow card, looked very rusty overall with his only bright spot a shot which nearly resulted in a Mariano goal.
Kubo—5: Provided a nice pass to Vazquez whose resulting shot was denied by the keeper. Had no time to make an impact.
Rodrygo Goes —N/A: Was brought on quite late with his only highlight a cut in and shot which was stopped by the keeper.
Seoane —N/A: Once again, had no time to make an impact and barely touched the ball before the full time whistle blew.
Miguel Gutierrez—N/A: Missed a late header to get on the score sheet, did little outside of that.