Player Ratings: Real Madrid 1 - Real Valladolid 0; 2020/21 La Liga

A tough match tonight as Real Madrid had to to break down a strong Valladolid side. Even with grabbing the three points, you feel as though Zidane’s team has yet to play their best football. Regardless, take the 1-0 win and move on to the next game.

See player ratings below.

Thibaut Courtois—8: Once again earns Man of the Match honours for Real Madrid. Kept his team in the game when Valladolid showed their perseverance. Another solid night from the Belgian.

Alvaro Odriozola —6.75: One half of the surprising swap by Zidane at the back. Returns to the club for after being part of Bayern Munich’s treble-winning team. Looked decently sharp, speed helped him cover ground but that left him out of position often. Possibly just ran out of gas towards the end and swapped out for Carvajal after 57 mins.

Raphael Varane—7: Not a mistake from the Frenchman tonight, once again comfortable with handling the back line on his own. Finished with three interceptions and five clearances.

Sergio Ramos—7: Another strong showing from the captain. Not much to complain about. Had more defensive duties than we’ve seen recently but he did have a few opportunities to score a goal of his own. Finished with one interception and seven clearances.

Marcelo—7: Nice to see the Brazilian in the line up as the second half of Zidane’s changes at the back. Sometimes had to find the speed to track back and handle defensive duties. Played the full 90 though and linked well with Vini on the wings after the team changed formation.

Casemiro—7: A quiet performance from Casemiro but he came alive when the team needed him. Rebound hit the cross bar, won seven aerials plus two tackles and two clearances. Decent night for the Brazilian.

Fede Valverde—7.5: Superb first half from the Uruguayan full of speed and power. Could’ve continued his goal scoring run if his attempt went in. Very versatile tonight. A workhorse all over the pitch.

Luka Modric—8: Gave Courtois a run for his money in being named MOTM. Found creative outlets to move the team forward and linked up well with Benzema and Jovic throughout the match. Finished with four keys passes, six dribbles, 92 per cent pass completion and hit the post. Who would’ve guessed this guy is 35?

Isco—6.75: Grabbed the start over Ødegaard after a strong performance last Sunday. Tried to be creative but didn’t have too much of an impact today. Subbed off after 57 minutes.

Karim Benzema—7: Another night without a goal despite three shots. Still, he was good in terms of helping to get the game moving forward and setting up other teammates. Not his ultimate best. Subbed after 87 mins.

Luka Jovic—7: Started his second consecutive game but was once again unfortunate not to find the back of the net. Placement and anticipation was right, just as it was against Betis, but lacked the finish. Three strong attempts on goal today and was the team’s attacking outlet in the first half. Subbed after 58 minutes.

Substitutions:

Dani Carvajal—7: Part of Zidane’s initial triple substitution, coming in for Odriozola. Brought fresh legs to the pitch when the team spread out along the wings. Good performance.

Marco Asensio—7: Looked good on the ball right from the moment he came on for Isco. Seemed to play with a sense of determination, which is great to see as a sub. Part of the play on Vini’s goal.

Vinicius Junior - 7.25: Super-sub Vini. Came on for the unlucky Jovic and proved he should be considered a starter. Played full of drive. Him and Marcelo started the play for the goal which ended up falling at his feet. Last year he would’ve shanked that shot, nice to see him score it. Could, and should have, easily added another.

Borja Mayoral - 6: Looked hungry to get in on the action but didn’t have many touches on the ball to make any impact.