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

Real Madrid returned to Valdebebas and the Alfredo Di Stefano stadium with the chance to capitalize on Barcelona’s continued slip-ups. The Blaugrana, have picked up just 3 points out of their last 9 after drawing with Sevilla, Celta Vigo, and Atletico Madrid. Zidane decided to rest Eden Hazard, who has taken some knocks to his ankle in recent matches, and give a start to young Vinicius JR. The 19-year-old Brazilian has been one of Madrid’s best players since returning from the Coronavirus lock down. Ultimately, it would be a game where Real Madrid had to “suffer”. Getafe were resolute in their defending with an organized 4-4-2 that pressed magnificently and forced Madrid into giving away possession on countless occasions. It was a game of thin margins, and one mistake from Getafe gave Madrid the opportunity to capitalize from the penalty spot. Sergio Ramos scored his 11^th goal of the season and gave Madrid another crucial 3 points to take them 4 points clear at the top of the table. Full match player ratings below:

Thibaut Courtois—7.5: Another clean sheet for the leading candidate for the Zamora trophy. The Belgian made a total of three saves with two of those saves coming from inside the box.

Dani Carvajal—8.5: Achraf may be off to Inter Milan, but performances like the one produced tonight by Dani Carvajal will allow Madrid fans to breathe easier knowing they possess one of the best full-backs in the game. He was press resistant, aggressive in pursuit of the ball, battled all night long with Cucurella, drew the game-winning penalty, and had a team high of 3 completed tackles.

Raphael Varane—6.5: The Frenchman only managed to play about 30 minutes today before having to come off for what appeared to be a concussion. Provided a great example of his comfort on the ball when on the right flank near Madrid’s box, he faked like he was going one way and then used his physique to power through past his marker and retain possession.

Sergio Ramos—8.5: Cometh the hour, cometh the man – Sergio Ramos was once again perfect from the penalty spot, scoring his goal with just 10 minutes to play full of ice in his veins.

Ferland Mendy—5.5: A mixed evening for Ferland Mendy. He had a tough job of battling with Nyom and Damian Suarez and struggled to deal with Getafe’s press. His heavy first touch meant he gave the ball away needlessly (15 times to be exact). Despite the shaky moments, he still ended the game with a team high of 6 completed dribbles and won 12 of his 17 ground duels.

Casemiro—7: Contributed with a team high of 6 clearances and won 9 of his 11 ground duels. Stepped up in the final ten minutes to play a pseudo center back role and help see out the victory.

Luka Modric—6: Getafe is a tough match for a soon to be 35-year-old. The neighboring Madrid side are relentless in their press and their physicality can be imposing. Modric was occasionally knocked off the ball and lost some foot races. Still managed to complete 5 dribbles and was his ever calm presence when on the ball, but failed to impose himself in the match.

Toni Kroos—6.5: A typical day at the office for Kroos, who had 100 touches and was heavily involved in trying to help Madrid’s build up play. Though, only contributed with 1 key pass and would have liked to see the German be a bit more incisive with passes and look for the limited wholes within Getafe’s defense.

Isco—5: Getafe suffocated the space in between the lines and Isco struggled to find dangerous positions while on the pitch.

Vinicius JR—5.5: Getafe was a good test for the Brazilian as he had to compete with the combative duo of Nyom and Damian Suarez. Never really got going and Madrid were never able to break through the press well enough to utilize Vinicius’ speed on the break.

Karim Benzema—6: Astutely varied his runs and would place himself as target forward before quickly changing his run and dropping deep to link up play. Involved in the build-up to the Carvajal’s penalty as it was his pass that released the Spaniard.

Substitutions:

Eder Militao—6: Some nervy moments on the ball, but overall played well and helped keep the clean sheet during his hour on the pitch.

Rodrygo Goes—6.5: Has looked good with his last two appearances off the pitch. The young Brazilian is not afraid to attack his full back and was crucial in the build-up to Carvajal winning the penalty.

Marco Asensio—6: Managed to produce a key pass while on the pitch when he pulled a driven pass back to the top of the box when it looked like he was going to play in a typical whipped in cross.

Fede Valverde—6: Some much needed fresh legs in the midfield with the speed to make up a lot of ground. Pressed well and nearly helped Madrid score a late second goal with a run through the midfield.

Mariano Diaz—N/A: Entered in the 90^th minute to wind down the clock, but in typical Mariano fashion still left his soul on the pitch with the few minutes he played.