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

With the Madrid Derby lingering and the title on the line, Real Madrid needed to be at their best against Real Sociedad. However, a strong first 45 minutes were cancelled out by a mediocre second half. With 20 shots, yet only three on target, it was Vini Jr. who found the back of the net in the 89th minute to earn his side a point.

See player ratings below.

Thibaut Courtois —7: Couldn’t do anything about Portu’s perfectly-placed header. Had a blunder, though, which almost led to the visitors doubling their lead (a bit out of character, really). Will be frustrated to concede. Surprised he didn’t come up top for the final corners.

Lucas Vazquez —7.5: Very active in the first-half but was basically invisible in the second. Did assist the tying goal, though. Finished with one shot, five key passes and three tackles.

Raphael Varane —7.5: Captained the team tonight and was a strong presence along the backline with Nacho. Helped track Isak and keep him quiet for pretty much the entire match. Finished with one shot, 94% pass completion, two aerials won and two tackles.

Nacho —7.5: Partnered well alongside Varane as we’ve seen of late. More active than the Frenchman, though, and willing to move up into the attack if needed. Finished with two aerials won and three tackles.

Ferland Mendy —6.5: After scoring the late winner against Atalanta I was hoping Mendy would keep the momentum going. Instead, he was a bit shaky. Finished with 95% pass completion, two key passes and one aerial won.

Casemiro — 7.5: The most active player tonight in terms of attack but couldn’t capitalize on any of his chances (which was a huge loss today). Lucky to get away with a few tackles and not concede penalties or yellows in the process — but that’s the usual Casemiro. Finished with six shots, six aerials won and one tackle.

Toni Kroos — 8: Will Kroos’ expertise on the ball ever fade? I hope not. Crucial tonight to help keep Madrid’s engine running and push the team forward (as usual). Linked very well with Modric and Isco which fuelled the waves of attack in the first half. Finished with three shots, one dribble, two aerial duels won, two tackles, two key passes and a staggering 13 corners.

Luka Modric — 7.5: Lively again much like Kroos. Overall standard performance in the midfield and helped play the ball out wide to open up space. Finished with two shots, one dribble and one tackle. Subbed after 78 mins.

Marco Asensio — 7: Kept his starting position again but didn’t add much to the game, unfortunately. Need to see more from him and soon. Good close control today led to his singular shot attempt and did well in defence (which is an improvement). Finished with one shot, one key pass, and 92% pass completion. Subbed after 61 mins.

Mariano Diaz — 5: Earned the start over Vinicius Jr. today but was really inactive. Had a header attempt go off the crossbar but other than that, couldn’t get into the game. Really need to see more from him. Finished with two shots and only seven touches. Subbed after 61 mins.

Isco — 7.5: Played very well today and was a glimmer of hope throughout the time he was on the pitch. Linked well with Kroos, Modric and Asensio and was instrumental in the midfield and the attack. Good positioning and thinking, as well. Finished with a 95% pass completion rate, four key passes, two dribbles and one tackle. Subbed after 61 mins.

Substitutes:

Rodrygo — 6.5: On in the 61st minute for Asensio. Returns from injury and had a good appearance. Eager to click into gear and push for the tying goal. Finished with two shots and one key pass.

Vinicius Jr. — 7: On in the 61st minute for Isco. Had some questionable moments but in the end, is the hero of the day with the tying goal in the 89th minute. Finished with one shot, one dribble and two tackles.

Hugo Duro — 5: On in the 61st minute for Mariano. Didn’t do too much and seemed to be confused with his teammates regarding his positioning at times. Finished with one shot, one aerial won and one key pass.

Fede Valverde — 6.5: On in the 76th minute for Modric. Also returns from injury which is a huge boost looking ahead in the schedule. Flick on to Vazquez helped tee up the tying goal. Finished with one dribble and one key pass.