Player Ratings: Real Valladolid 0 - Real Madrid 1; 2020 La Liga

Zinedine Zidane’s men now sit alone at the top of the table after eking out a narrow 1-0 win away to Valladolid. Real Madrid were without the suspended Dani Carvajal, but it would be his direct replacement, Nacho Fernandez, who stepped up late in the second half to secure the the three points for Real Madrid. Full match ratings below:

Thibaut Courtois—7: Did not have a single save to make, but helped Marshall his backline and keep yet another clean sheet. Had one secure tip over the net from a cross and 2 quality clearances.

Nacho—8: Cometh the hour, cometh the man and that man was Nacho. The Canterano executed a near perfect snap header to win the game for Real Madrid.

Raphael Varane—8: The Frenchman’s comfort on the ball in advanced positions for Real Madrid is such a weapon. Varane was crucial in keeping Valladolid locked in their half and retaining ball possession for Real Madrid.

Sergio Ramos—8: Won the most aerial duels of anyone on the field (5) along with Casemiro. Kept Sergi Guardiola totally in check and helped the backline maintain their shape.

Ferland Mendy—7: Feel there is still more to come from Ferland offensively, but on the defensive side of the ball he continues to be so impressive. Team high 4 tackles - tied with Nacho - and two clearances which were vital in keeping Valladolid off the board.

Casemiro—7: Mr. Consistent should be the Brazilian’s new name. Was unfortunate to have the opening goal taken off due to VAR as he was mere centimeters offsides.

Luka Modric—5.5: Far too often the Croatian was outmuscled in the midfield and lost 3 of his 4 aerial duels.

Toni Kroos—7: The German’s set pieces are gold for this Real Madrid team. Produced a team high of 4 key passes and nearly had an assist on Casemiro’s goal.

Rodrygo—7: Slow to get into the game, but as the match wore on his influence grew. Moved from left to right and caused havoc for the Valladolid backline.

Isco—7: The little magician had one of his better games, completing 4 dribbles and combining well with his teammates. Though, Madrid struggled with their deep completions (passes completed 20 yards from the oppositions goal) and not even Isco could improve that statistic.

Karim Benzema—5.5: A quiet game from the Frenchman. Maybe has hit a cold streak, having not scored since the Valencia match.

Substitutions:

Lucas Vazquez—5.5: Brought on to provide width for Madrid in the final stages.

Fede Valverde—N/A: Brought on in the 87th minute for Luka Modric.

Luka Jovic—N/A: Brought on in the 92nd minute.