Player Ratings: Huesca 1 - Real Madrid 2; 2020/21 La Liga

With only 17 players available, Real Madrid were already in a tough situation heading into the match against Huesca. After a dull first half, the hosts struck first with a superb strike from Javier Galán but two goals from Raphael Varane turned it around for Madrid.

See player ratings below.

Thibaut Courtois — 8: Once again saved Real Madrid with some superb stops. Couldn’t do anything for the first goal with Odriozola acting as a screen (Galán’s placed it perfectly anyway).

Alvaro Odriozola — 6: Struggled again tonight in both defence and attack. Had a few runs in the second half but pulled up with an injury (which is concerning). Finished with two tackles, one block and was dispossessed twice. Substituted after 67 mins.

Raphael Varane — 8.75: The unlikely hero for Madrid today with his brace earning them all three points. (The opener was his first goal in just over a year!). Defensively speaking did well to track Huesca’s attack. Finished with 92% pass completion, three shots, one aerial won, two blocks and five clearances.

Nacho — 7: Was influential in both defence and attack but that lead to him being at fault for Heusca‘s goal because he was way out of position. Overall decent performance, though. Finished with 95% pass completion, two shots, one block, one clearance and two aerials won.

Ferland Mendy — 8: A key part of Madrid’s attacking threat in the first half. Worked well with Vini Jr. and crosses into the box were good. Adjusted well on the right when he made way for Marcelo. Finished with 90% pass completion, four dribbles, four blocks, one clearance and one tackle. Substituted after 78 mins.

Casemiro — 8.75: Always so quiet, but always immensely influential. You might not have followed Casemiro as much in the game but he was crucial to the victory, worked all over the pitch and assisted Varane’s winner. Finished with a 92% pass completion rate, three shots, one assist, six aerials won, four tackles, five interceptions, two key passes and was dispossessed once.

Toni Kroos — 8.5: Crucial piece in today’s victory again. Teed up the set-pieces leading to the winning goal. Lower rating because he earned a fifth yellow and will miss the next match, adding more problems for Zidane. Finished with 96% pass completion, two tackles, six key passes and was dispossessed twice.

Luka Modric — 7.75: Some Modric magic came out today and it was quite something. Had some good link-up play with Benzema and Asensio. Finished with a low (for him) pass completion rate of only 77% but also had three dribbles, one aerial won, one key pass, one tackle and was dispossessed twice.

Marco Asensio — 7: Somewhat inactive in the first half but was better in the second. Would like him to continue with his scoring streak. Finished with three shots, two key passes and was dispossessed three times.

Karim Benzema — 7.75: Also inactive in the first half but changed his game plan in the second and was had more movement in the box. Struggled to hit the net, though. A stellar free kick hit off the cross bar and then two strong attempts were saved (somehow). Finished with six shots and two dribbles.

Vini Jr — 7.5: The best player in the first half by far. Always looking to attack Huesca and get the team moving forward. Cheeky chip attempt even though it didn’t go anywhere. Finished with three dribbles, one key pass and one tackle. Substituted after 78 mins.

Substitutes:

Marcelo — 6.5: Came in for Odriozola and swapped sides with Mendy after 67 minutes. Lively right from the start and had a few good chances to score within seconds of coming on. Good coverage of Huesca to stop them from finding a tying goal. Nice to see him earn some minutes again. Finished with one shot and two dribbles

Mariano Diaz — 4: On for Vini Jr. after 78 minutes but didn’t add anything. Need him to get back to having some sort of impact coming off the bench. Finished with just 67% pass completion rate but one aerial won and one tackle.

Marvin Park — 5: Came in for Mendy after 78 minutes and took over the right-back position (important to remember he’s a right-winger). Stayed focused on Huesca’s attackers and made sure he wasn’t out of position. Good link up with Modric and strong passing in the attacking third. Finished with 50% pass completion rate.