Player Ratings: Real Madrid 2 - Granada 0; 2020 La Liga

After a very slow start, Real Madrid came out from the dressing room and into the second half with a new game plan.

The first half saw the club maintain 71% possession but lose the ball 54 times. Eventually, they re-grouped and a towering header from Casemiro broke the deadlock and Benzema’s injury-time goal secured the win.

See player ratings below

Thibaut Courtois — 7: Made a couple of mistakes which is out of character but luckily got away with them. Granada had their opportunities but to Courtois’ benefit, they couldn't make the most of it.

Dani Carvajal — 8: One of the best players of the night and one of the only ones to be persistent throughout the entire 90 mins. Finished with three shots, four aerials won, two tackles and two key passes.

Raphael Varane — 6.5: Made what could have been a disastrous mistake just a minute or two into the game. Had problems with his distribution out the back and looked shaky. Finished with two shots, three aerials won and two tackles.

Sergio Ramos — 7.5: Strong header at the end of the match to keep Granada from scoring and another important interception in injury time. Finished with one shot, four aerial duels and one key pass.

Ferland Mendy — 7.5: Was an active threat down the left and linked up well with Rodrygo. Was covered well by Granada but found ways to get out of trouble. Suffered a lot of fouls too. Finished with one dribble, three aerial duels won, one tackle and one key pass.

Casemiro — 7.75: Was a bit quiet in the first half but became the rescuer again. Scored the winning goal and Real Madrid’s 6200th in La Liga. Finished with one shot, three aerial duels won and two tackles.

Fede Valverde— 7: Earned the start as Modric was out but didn’t bring too much to the match. Finished with one shot and one aerial duel won. Eventually was substituted in the 78th minute for Isco.

Toni Kroos— 8: Another strong performance from Kroos. Was a little less creative on the night without Modric and had to help cover in defence as well. Finished with two shots, team-high 94% pass completion rate, one aerial duel won and one tackle.

Lucas Vazquez — 7.75: Proved himself once again. First half heat-map saw Vazquez cover almost every inch of space on the pitch. Alongside Carvajal, was one of the only players to maintain persistence. Finished with one shot, two tackles. Substituted after 78 mins.

Karim Benzema — 8: Continues his hot streak with yet another goal (this time in injury time to secure the win). Looked lively to try and break through Granada’s lines. Finished with seven shots and two aerial duels won. However, had a team-low pass completion of 76%.

Rodrygo — 7.5: Strong recent performances earned him another start over other attackers and he had a good showing again. Had one shot, one dribble, one aerial won and a team-high three key passes. Very lively and involved down the left. Very unfortunate to be injured in the 38th minute and was stretchered off. Will have to wait and see how long he is out for.

Substitutes:

Marco Asensio — 8: Came on for the injured Rodrygo in the 38th minute. Was on his game tonight and made the most of his opportunity. Part of a goal for the first time in 19 games after assisting Casemiro. Some great ball control and would have scored a wonderful back-heel goal but it hit the post. Very encouraging performance with three shots, one dribble and three tackles.

Isco — 7.5: Came on for Valverde in the 78th minute. A couple of close-call handballs as the clock wore down. Had a chance to score himself but squandered the opportunity. Made up for it after assisting Benzema’s goal.

Vini Jr. — 7: Came on for Vazquez in the 78th minute. Decent performance but nothing too noteworthy. Finished with one aerial duel won and one tackle.