Player Ratings: Real Madrid 4 - Huesca 1; 2020/21 La Liga

Real Madrid return to La Liga with a winning start beating Huesca 4-1 at home. The visitors were a well-organized side in the first half, limiting Zidane’s team to any real chances but a moment of brilliance from Hazard opened the gates. Benzema and Valverde added goals on the way to the victory.

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Thibaut Courtois— 7: Couldn’t keep a clean sheet but not the Belgian’s fault as it was down to poor defending again from the centre-backs. Individually did well and stopped Huesca from adding any others.

Lucas Vazquez — 6.75: The utility tool was back at it for Zidane. Added to the team’s attack but that also meant he left a lot of open space for Huesca to exploit. Tried to get crosses in but the defence knew his plan. Assisted Benzema’s first. Subbed after 52 mins.

Eder Militão — 6.5: Gets the start over Raphael Varane and it almost proved to be a costly decision right from the start. But, the Brazilian recuperated well. Towards the end of the match he lacked stamina and was out of position. Finished with two tackles.

Sergio Ramos — 7: Decent showing from the captain. Had a good chance to score in the first half for Real and another in the second. Beaten by David Ferreiro for Huesca’s goal.

Marcelo — 6.75: In for Ferland Mendy. Had good sprints forward but also glimpses of errors every now and then. Did well to get hold of the ball but was nowhere to be found on Huesca’s goal. Stamina for 90 mins is questionable.

Fede Valverde — 8: Another great showing. Integral in re-gaining possession throughout the first-half. Scored the third goal of the game and the third of his season. Assisted a goal as well. Subbed after 60 mins.

Casemiro — 7: Conductor in the midfield as usual and helped out the centre-backs. One aerial won, one block, three tackles, and three clearances. Subbed after 68 minutes.

Luca Modric — 6.5: Gets the start but couldn’t add any pep into the squad as Huesca made it difficult for Real to play through the middle. Will have to see the aftermath of playing the full 90 minutes.

Marco Asensio — 6.5: Not the most influential game from Asensio who tried to get involved but couldn’t get anything out of it. Crosses into the box didn’t work, dispossessed three times as well. Subbed after 60 mins. Hopefully we see some more action from him soon.

Karim Benzema— 8.5: Very quiet throughout the first half up until the break when he showed a moment of quality and then came out firing. Scored a brace and assisted a goal as well. Could’ve easily added more goals if he linked up better with Vini Jr.

Eden Hazard — 7.5: Welcome back Hazard! Looked good in his return to La Liga playing roughly 60 minutes. Scored a cracker of a goal to open up the game for Real. Looks sharp and eager. Subbed eventually for Vini Jr. as he eases back in.

Substitutions:

Ferland Mendy — 6.75: Was rested but came in for Vazquez at right back. Even though it’s not the Frenchman’s preferred position, he looked more comfortable than he has in the past. Showed great speed and eager to find open space and had five dribbles.

Vini Jr. — 6.5: Hazard’s return means the Brazilian sits on the bench but he came on for the Belgian after 60 minutes. Immediately tried to make an impact and lined-up Benzema for a great opportunity. Had four dribbles.

Isco — 6.5: Showed great dribbling skills and had lots of energy coming on for Fede Valverde after 60 mins. Linked up well with Benzema and had three tackles.

Rodrigo — 6.75: Came on for Asensio. Had two shots on goal both of which were blocked but assisted Benzema’s second goal.

Toni Kroos — 6.5: Came in for Casemiro after 69 minutes and helped Real keep the scoreline down and intercept the ball.